Named characters

12126 [NARRATOR]
2577 Saint (429)/Saint Jordan Killian Caldwell (6)/Killian (2)/Saint She (1)/Fucking Saint (1)/Saint Killian (1)/Caldwell (1)/Saint Jordan Killian Harry Caldwell (1)
704 Victoria (133)/Victoria Sunlight (1)/Poor Victoria (1)/little Victoria (1)/Focus Victoria (1)/Victoria He (1)
634 Weston (130)/Amelie (78)/Fucking Weston (2)/WESTON AND AMELIE (1)/AMELIE (1)
509 Gigi (161)/little Gigi (5)
301 Summer (99)
263 Antonio (83)
254 Sinclair (47)/Sinclair Sterling (3)/Sterling (3)/SINCLAIR (1)
199 Edward (57)
152 Dorian (4)
142 Nina (52)/poor Nina (1)
94 Arpad (41)
61 Ma’am (2)
60 V (7)
58 Adam (17)/Adam Rhodes (6)/Rhodes (2)
56 Damian (35)
52 Coward (1)
47 Weston (4)/Dr. f’ing Weston (1)
46 Meredith (21)
42 Isla (23)
42 Weston (6)/Dr Weston (1)
26 Sienna (10)/SIENNA (1)
25 Tink (16)
24 the Seven (10)
22 The Beatles (16)/the Beatles (2)
21 Karma (11)
21 Sinner (17)
19 Mr. Caldwell (2)
18 Father (6)
13 Baron (6)
13 Jace (12)/JACE (1)
10 Lennon (4)/John Lennon (2)/John (1)
8 Byron (4)/Michael Byron (2)/MICHAEL BYRON (1)/Michael (1)
7 Amelia (5)
7 Sweetheart (3)
6 V. (4)
6 Jesus (5)/Jesus Fucking Christ (1)
5 Tory (5)
5 Doc (3)/Kincaid (1)/Doc Kincaid (1)
5 Beauty (5)
4 Gazillionaire (1)/gazillionaire dickhead (1)
4 Jesus (2)/Jesus H Christ (1)/Jesus F’ing Christ (1)
4 Asshole (3)
4 Footsteps (2)
4 Sin (4)
4 Jasmine (1)
4 Forceful (1)
4 Posh (1)
3 Jerk (3)
3 Doll (1)
3 God (3)
3 Alphahole (2)/alphahole (1)
3 Ono (1)/Yoko Ono (1)/Yoko (1)
3 William (3)
3 Harry (2)/Harry Potter (1)
3 Sally (1)
3 Max (2)
3 Morn (3)
2 PJ (1)
2 The Stones (2)
2 Claridge (2)
2 Bastard (2)
2 Mary (2)
2 Homeless Guy (2)
2 Fucker (2)
2 Hey Jude (1)/Hey (1)
2 BFF (1)
2 Macallan (2)
2 Darkness (2)
2 Devil (2)
2 Lily (1)

Major entities (proper, common)

FAC

3 Primrose Hill
1 7A investments
1 Selfridges
1 Oxford Street
1 High Street
1 FOK investments
1 Scotland Yard
1 Abbey Road
1 Claridge 's
1 Christie ’s

46 the room/The room
35 here/HERE
20 the hotel
13 home/Home
13 there
11 the hospital
9 the road
8 the sidewalk
8 the house
8 the space

GPE

18 London
7 Sicily
4 UCLA
3 LA
2 England
1 Victoria
1 LAX
1 Hackney
1 Hampstead Heath
1 Hollywood

6 the city
3 the country
3 there
3 here
3 town
2 this city
1 this place
1 his home city of London
1 my home country
1 That 's London for you

LOC

1 the UK
1 the Baltics
1 Primrose Hill
1 Waterlow Park

41 the world/The world
3 the pool
2 the real world
2 this world
2 this earth
2 the entire world
2 the water
2 the countryside
2 the clearing
1 the heart of London

PER

442 Saint/Saint Jordan Killian Caldwell/Killian/Saint She/Fucking Saint/Saint Killian/Caldwell/Saint Jordan Killian Harry Caldwell
212 Weston/Amelie/Fucking Weston/WESTON AND AMELIE/AMELIE
166 Gigi/little Gigi
138 Victoria/Victoria Sunlight/Poor Victoria/little Victoria/Focus Victoria/Victoria He
99 Summer
83 Antonio
57 Edward
54 Sinclair/Sinclair Sterling/Sterling/SINCLAIR
53 Nina/poor Nina
41 Arpad

38 the Mafia/The Mafia
26 the man/The man
24 anyone/Anyone
24 a woman/A woman
22 No one/no one
20 someone/Someone
18 each other
16 man/Man
16 my father/My father
16 my wife/My wife

ORG

3 The Mafia/the Mafia
2 FOK media

2 the Mafia
1 an unit
1 high school
1 the foster system in the UK
1 well - known BDSM clubs
1 an international crime organization
1 the entire security system
1 a church
1 my own group

VEH

1 the Jaguar

12 the car/The car
5 The limo/the limo
4 the elevator
3 my car
2 the vehicle
2 this car/This car
2 the cart
2 a helicopter
2 his Jeep
2 a Harley

Text

[The Billionaire†™ s Secret

L. Steele]172-the billionaire†™ s secret l. steele

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

FREE BOOKS

Prologue

Claim [your]173-your FREE contemporary romance book . Click HERE

Claim [your]173-your FREE paranormal romance book HERE

[I]0-i have a heart that never beats , [I]0-i have [a home]174-a home but [I]0-i never sleep . [I]0-i can take [[a man]175-a man 's house]176-a man 's house and build another 's , [I]0-i love to play games with [[my]0-i many brothers]177-my many brothers . [I]0-i am [a king among [fools]179-fools]178-a king among fools . Who am [I]0-i ?

Answer : [The King of Hearts]180-the king of hearts in a deck of cards

[Victoria]108-victoria

" Will [he]175-a man or wo n't [he]175-a man ? "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to [the man playing the role of [[my]0-i husband]182-my husband]181-the man playing the role of my husband , " Who are [you]181-the man playing the role of my husband talking about ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . " [Saint]47-saint , "[181-the man playing the role of my husband] [He]181-the man playing the role of my husband replies . " Who ? "[181-the man playing the role of my husband] " [The man glowering at [you]0-i from across [the garden]2045-the garden]2044-the man glowering at you from across the garden . "[43-adam] [Adam]43-adam swipes a finger under [his]43-adam collar , " [I]43-adam wonder if [he]2044-the man glowering at you from across the garden 'll approach [you]0-i before the night is over ? "[43-adam] [I]0-i angle [my]0-i body , but [he]181-the man playing the role of my husband shakes [his]181-the man playing the role of my husband head , " Do n't look there . "[181-the man playing the role of my husband] Right . [I]0-i swallow . " Is that good ? "[0-i] " It 's perfect . "[181-the man playing the role of my husband] [he]181-the man playing the role of my husband reassures [me]0-i . " Things are on plan . "[181-the man playing the role of my husband] This is what [I]0-i want , do n't [I]0-i ? This is why [I]0-i am here . So why is [my]0-i heart pounding ? Why is [my]0-i stomach tying itself in knots ? A trickle of sweat runs down [my]0-i spine . " Act natural . "[181-the man playing the role of my husband] [He]181-the man playing the role of my husband half smiles . [I]0-i swallow , tip up [my]0-i chin . [I]0-i can do this . " Come , [dear]2046-dear , meet [[your]2046-dear stepdaughter]2047-your stepdaughter , "[181-the man playing the role of my husband] [he]181-the man playing the role of my husband beckons . [I]0-i step forward , and [my]0-i heels sink into the lawns attached to [the beautiful town house located in prime real estate in [the heart of [London]2-london]184-the heart of london]183-the beautiful town house located in prime real estate in the heart of london . [I]0-i smooth [my]0-i palm down the golden brown dress that comes to below [my]0-i knees . Good thing [I]0-i 'd packed this dress near the top of [my]0-i luggage ; that had made it much easier to change before leaving [the airport]185-the airport . Finding the shoes had been a different story . [Our]186-our flight from [LAX]3-lax to [London]2-london had been delayed , leaving no time to spare for a stop at [[our]186-our hotel]187-our hotel . The hair on the nape of [my]0-i neck prickles . An electric shiver runs up [my]0-i spine . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin up . Blue eyes blaze at [me]0-i — cerulean , cold , never - ending whorls of cornflowers in summer time , the dark depths of [a lake before the water]188-a lake before the water freezes over . How could so many facets be intertwined with [his]189-his gaze ? [I]0-i swallow , sweat beads [my]0-i palm . The words from Happiness is a Warm Gun , by the Beatles scroll across [my]0-i mind . Heat flushes [my]0-i cheeks . [I]0-i have a penchant for the Beatles , but why the hell did [I]0-i have to think of that particular song ? [Saint]47-saint glances from [me]0-i to [[my]0-i ' husband]190-my ' husband . ' [His]47-saint jaw tics . Anger rolls off of [him]47-saint , a thick black cloud that slams into [my]0-i chest , sinks into [my]0-i blood , hooks into [me]0-i and seems to yank [me]0-i toward [him]47-saint . Closer , get closer . [I]0-i gasp and [my]0-i fingers tremble . [Saint]47-saint 's gaze intensifies and a shiver crawls up [my]0-i spine . [My]0-i toes curl . Why am [I]0-i so affected by [his]47-saint presence ? [Adam]43-adam nudges [me]0-i . [I]0-i blink ; tear [my]0-i gaze away from [the stranger]191-the stranger . " Summer . "[43-adam] [I]0-i hold [my]0-i hand out to [[my]0-i stepdaughter]192-my stepdaughter . " It 's lovely to meet [you]191-the stranger . "[43-adam] [She]192-my stepdaughter 's beautiful in [her]192-my stepdaughter wedding dress . At twenty - one , [she]192-my stepdaughter is a year younger than [me]0-i . And [she]192-my stepdaughter has already found [the man of [her]192-my stepdaughter dreams]193-the man of her dreams . [Me]0-i ? [I]0-i am taking it one day at a time . [I]0-i am trying to survive . [I]0-i clutch [my]0-i handbag to [my]0-i side . [Summer]44-summer swallows . " [I]44-summer did n’t realize … "[44-summer] " That [you]194-the man she is meeting after fifteen years had [a stepmother]2048-a stepmother ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . “ ... that [I]44-summer had [a father]2049-a father . ”[44-summer] [She]44-summer glances at [the man [she]44-summer is meeting after fifteen years]194-the man she is meeting after fifteen years . [Adam]43-adam shuffles [his]43-adam feet , " [I]43-adam was hoping [you]2050-you two could get acquainted , "[43-adam] [he]43-adam mumbles . Across from [me]0-i , [Saint]47-saint widens [his]47-saint stance ; [his]47-saint hands are clenched at [his]47-saint sides . Huh ? Is [he]47-saint upset about something ? " [I]0-i did n’t mean for this to come as such a surprise . "[0-i] [I]0-i force [myself]0-i to focus on [Summer]44-summer , " [I]44-summer wish there had been a way [I]44-summer could have warned [you]44-summer of [our]2051-our coming … but ... "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer nods , " [You]0-i do n’t need to apologize . "[44-summer] [Her]44-summer eyes narrow , " [I]44-summer understand how it could have been . "[44-summer] [I]0-i glance from [Summer]44-summer to [[her]44-summer new husband]195-her new husband , [Sinclair Sterling]45-sinclair who hovers protectively over [her]44-summer . [He]45-sinclair and [[his]45-sinclair six friends]196-his six friends — often referred to as [the Seven by the media]197-the seven by the media — co - own 7A Investments . [They]198-they are among [the richest , most powerful men in [the country]200-the country]199-the richest , most powerful men in the country ... [Saint]47-saint is [one of [them]198-they]201-one of them . Why the hell ca n't [I]0-i stop thinking of [him]47-saint ? [I]0-i clear [my]0-i throat , " Perhaps , [we]2052-we can catch up once [you]44-summer are recovered from [your]44-summer wedding and the honeymoon — "[0-i] " There is no honeymoon , "[45-sinclair] [Sinclair]45-sinclair interjects . [Summer]44-summer ’s body tenses again . Strange . [His]45-sinclair words are brusque . Yet [he]45-sinclair has n't been able to look away from [her]44-summer , [his]45-sinclair body leaning into [hers]44-summer . Funny how body language conveys so much more than words . Like [the man who has n't glanced away from [me]0-i since [our]203-us eyes first met]202-the man who has n't glanced away from me since our eyes first met . Goosebumps pop on [my]0-i skin . " Not until [we]203-us ’ve sorted out the little business between [us]203-us . "[45-sinclair] [Sinclair]45-sinclair nods toward [Adam]43-adam , " Tomorrow . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair steps around [us]203-us and walks off , guiding [Summer]44-summer along . " [I]43-adam wo n't be more than a minute . "[43-adam] [Adam]43-adam strides toward [a group of men in a corner of [the garden]2045-the garden]204-a group of men in a corner of the garden . [I]0-i glance after [him]45-sinclair , wanting to ask [him]45-sinclair not to leave [me]0-i alone with [Saint]47-saint . Too late . [He]45-sinclair prowls closer , " [Victoria]108-victoria , is it ? "[45-sinclair] Black coffee , crushed ice , hot chocolate sauce — the timbre of [his]45-sinclair voice coils about [my]0-i waist , slithers down to the hollow between [my]0-i legs . [My]0-i toes curl . [I]0-i clench [my]0-i thighs together . That voice ? What [I]0-i would n't give to have [him]45-sinclair read aloud from a Harry Potter novel . Oh , [my]0-i god , did [I]0-i think that ? Why is [he]45-sinclair insinuating [himself]45-sinclair into [my]0-i every obsession ? [I]0-i shuffle [my]0-i feet . [He]45-sinclair tilts [his]45-sinclair head , looks [me]0-i up and down . [Those]45-sinclair blue eyes pale until they resemble chips of ice . [My]0-i heart begins to race . [This man]206-this man ? [He]45-sinclair 'd not take ‘ no ’ for an answer . Never turn down a challenge . [His]45-sinclair lips curl and [he]45-sinclair widens [his]45-sinclair stance . The movement draws [my]0-i attention to the fabric tented at [his]45-sinclair crotch . What the — ? Is [he]45-sinclair turned on ? And [he]45-sinclair 's making no move to hide it either ? The arrogance of [the man]207-the man . A warmth pools deep inside of [me]0-i . A melting sensation thrums out from [my]0-i core . And why am [I]0-i not able to stop [my]0-i response ? No way , am [I]0-i going to indulge [his]45-sinclair interest ... Or [his]45-sinclair ego for that matter . " Mrs. Rhodes to [you]45-sinclair . "[0-i] [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , up , all the way up to peer into [his]45-sinclair beautiful face . " Are [you]45-sinclair [the hired help]2053-the hired help ? "[0-i] [His]45-sinclair expression falters , then a chuckle rumbles from [him]45-sinclair . The harsh sound grates across [my]0-i skin . All of [my]0-i nerve endings pop in response . Why am [I]0-i so tuned into [him]45-sinclair ? [He]45-sinclair abruptly stops laughing , pretends to flick something off of [his]45-sinclair suit . [Bastard]208-bastard . So [he]45-sinclair thinks [he]45-sinclair can disguise [his]45-sinclair surprise by feigning boredom ? Typical . [His]45-sinclair resting dick face is all hard angles , cut lines , a mean upper lip , patrician nose and prominent chin ... spoilt by that full pouty lower lip which hints at something more — sensuous , luxurious , a personality that indulges in hedonistic pleasures , that controls and does not hesitate to take . [My]0-i core clenches . [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hand , ready to chew on [my]0-i fingernail . Ha ! And would n't that be a dead giveaway of how much [I]0-i am affected by [his]45-sinclair presence ? [I]0-i tuck [my]0-i elbows into [my]0-i sides . [I]0-i will not give into the temptation . But would [I]0-i give in to [him]45-sinclair ? No . No way , would [I]0-i indulge this melting sensation that seems to have gripped [my]0-i center . [I]0-i square [my]0-i shoulders , twist [my]0-i fingers together in front of [me]0-i . [He]45-sinclair drops [his]45-sinclair gaze to [my]0-i hands , then up to [my]0-i face , " [You]0-i 're not wearing a wedding band . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair frowns . [I]0-i cover [my]0-i left hand . " [Not everyone who 's married]2054-not everyone who 's married wears one . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair thrusts out [his]45-sinclair chin , peruses [my]0-i features . [His]45-sinclair blue gaze deepens . Do n’t ' blink . Do n't look away . When [you]209-you meet [a predator]210-a predator , it 's best to not show any fear . [My]0-i heart beat ratchets up . [His]45-sinclair nostrils flare . Bloody hell , can [he]45-sinclair sense [my]0-i uncertainty ? [He]45-sinclair tilts [his]45-sinclair head , [[Your]0-i husband]2055-your husband left [you]0-i on [your]0-i own ? "[45-sinclair] [His]45-sinclair voice ripples up [my]0-i spine . [My]0-i scalp tingles . What in the ever lovin' hell is happening to [me]0-i ? [I]0-i brace [myself]0-i , tip [my]0-i chin up . " [He]45-sinclair knows [he]45-sinclair can trust [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i reply . [His]45-sinclair lips curl , " But can [you]0-i trust [me]45-sinclair ? "[45-sinclair] [I]0-i blink . The hell does [he]45-sinclair mean ? [My]0-i fingers tingle and [my]0-i palms itch . [I]0-i 'd tried every bloody remedy to cure [myself]0-i of this horrible nail - biting habit . But the events of the last few months have wiped out any progress [I]0-i had made . [He]45-sinclair holds out [his]45-sinclair hand . " [Saint Jordan Killian Caldwell]47-saint , "[45-sinclair] [he]45-sinclair drawls . " Did [you]0-i miss a name ? "[45-sinclair] [His]45-sinclair features go blank , then [his]45-sinclair lips curl , " Very good . "[45-sinclair] " Not looking for [your]45-sinclair approval , "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl . " [You]0-i sure ? "[0-i] [His]45-sinclair lips kick up in a smile that is n't one at all . [I]0-i shiver . " [I]0-i 'm Saint to [[my]0-i friends]2056-my friends . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance down at [his]45-sinclair proffered hand , then thrust mine behind [my]0-i back . " Good thing [I]0-i am not [one of [them]2056-my friends]201-one of them , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . [He]45-sinclair lowers [his]45-sinclair arm . " No , [you]0-i 're not . "[45-sinclair] [His]45-sinclair eyes gleam . " [You]0-i and [I]45-sinclair , [we]2058-we could never have such a bland relationship . "[45-sinclair] " No ? "[0-i] [My]0-i belly flutters . [He]45-sinclair shakes [his]45-sinclair head , then looks [me]0-i up and down . " In fact , [you]0-i do n't feature on [my]45-sinclair radar at all . "[45-sinclair] [Jerk]48-jerk . [Pretentious , spoilt , rich prick who wears [his]45-sinclair privilege as if [the world]212-the world owes [him]45-sinclair]211-pretentious , spoilt , rich prick who wears his privilege as if the world owes him . [I]0-i firm [my]0-i lips . [He]45-sinclair flicks another invisible piece of dust from [his]45-sinclair tailored jacket . The breadth of [his]45-sinclair shoulders stretches the fabric . [His]45-sinclair biceps strain against the cloth . [He]45-sinclair widens [his]45-sinclair stance , and [I]0-i ca n't stop [myself]0-i from taking in the sculpted abs outlined through the white dress shirt that sheaths [his]45-sinclair muscles . Power surrounds [him]45-sinclair . The force of [his]45-sinclair magnetism is a tangible sensation that pours off of [him]45-sinclair , hits [me]0-i in the chest . [I]0-i gasp . [My]0-i throat closes . " Good bye , [Victoria]108-victoria . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair turns to leave , takes a step away , then another . [His]45-sinclair jacket stretches across [his]45-sinclair tight butt — clearly [he]45-sinclair forgot to take the stick out of it when [he]45-sinclair left [home]213-home . [My]0-i lips quirk . [He]45-sinclair prowls forward and [his]45-sinclair slacks mold to powerful thighs . [I]0-i swallow . [This man]206-this man wears that suit like it was stitched onto [him]45-sinclair . The muscles of those powerful thighs coil and coil , barely contained in those pants that narrow over boots . Huh ? [He]45-sinclair wears faded cowboy boots that've seen far better days . What the hell ? Is that a quirk , or another affectation ? Why would [he]45-sinclair wear boots that simply do n't match the rest of [his]45-sinclair £ 7000 suits ? Only when [my]0-i heel sinks into the ground do [I]0-i realize that [I]0-i 've placed [my]0-i stilettos squarely in [his]45-sinclair footstep . [I]0-i bite the inside of [my]0-i cheek . Let [him]45-sinclair go ; do n't say it . Do n't let curiosity get the better of [you]215-you . " The more [you]45-sinclair think , the more [you]45-sinclair find ; what am [I]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i call out . [He]45-sinclair tenses , then swivels to face [me]0-i . " What did [you]45-sinclair say ? "[45-sinclair] [Those]45-sinclair cold blue eyes bore into [me]0-i , the force of [his]45-sinclair personality pinning [me]0-i in place . [My]0-i heart begins to race . [I]0-i 've done it ; [I]0-i 've revealed [my]0-i hand . Ugh . Why could n't [I]0-i have kept quiet ? " N ... nothing . "[0-i] [I]0-i wave a hand in the air , " Forget it . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn away . Hard fingers clutch at [my]0-i wrist . [I]0-i am spun around , with such force that [I]0-i stumble . The grasp on [my]0-i arm increases in pressure , and [I]0-i find [my]0-i balance . [He]45-sinclair keeps [my]0-i hand imprisoned behind [me]0-i , [his]45-sinclair arm lined up against [mine]0-i , [my]0-i back curved , [my]0-i breasts thrust up . The heat from [his]45-sinclair body crowds [me]0-i , envelops [me]0-i . Less than an inch separates [us]216-us . How would it be if [he]45-sinclair had plastered [my]0-i chest to [his]45-sinclair ? [I]0-i flick out [my]0-i tongue to wet [my]0-i lips . [His]45-sinclair gaze drops to [my]0-i mouth . [His]45-sinclair nostrils flare . " Repeat what [you]0-i said , "[45-sinclair] [he]45-sinclair rasps . " No . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair lowers [his]45-sinclair voice to a hush , " Do it . "[45-sinclair] All other noises fade away . [My]0-i mind focuses on [him]45-sinclair . [I]0-i take in the creases that fan out from the edges of [his]45-sinclair eyes , the furrows on [his]45-sinclair forehead , the tendons that pop at [his]45-sinclair throat . " A puzzle , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " The answer is a puzzle . "[0-i] " Why did [you]45-sinclair ask [me]45-sinclair that question ? "[45-sinclair] " [I]0-i wanted to take [you]45-sinclair by surprise . "[0-i] [I]0-i firm [my]0-i lips . " That 's all . "[0-i] " [You]45-sinclair expect [me]45-sinclair to believe that ? "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair searches [my]0-i features . " That [you]0-i 'd ask [me]45-sinclair a riddle for the hell of it ? "[45-sinclair] " Why ? Does it scare [you]0-i ? "[45-sinclair] The wind blows , and a tuft of [his]45-sinclair hair falls over [his]45-sinclair forehead . [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hand toward it . [He]45-sinclair grabs [my]0-i wrist , wrenches tit behind [my]0-i back , then lowers [his]45-sinclair head until [his]45-sinclair nose bumps [mine]0-i . " Be afraid , [Victoria]108-victoria . Be very afraid . "[45-sinclair] " Of [you]45-sinclair ? "[45-sinclair] " Of this game [you]45-sinclair are playing . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair releases [me]0-i and [I]0-i slump back on [my]0-i heels . [My]0-i chest heaves . [My]0-i heart pounds so hard [I]0-i am sure it 's going to tear out of [my]0-i rib cage . " Or what ? "[0-i] [I]0-i purse [my]0-i lips . " Or get ready to get hurt . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair straightens the cuff of [his]45-sinclair shirt . " For [I]45-sinclair never lose , and when [you]0-i do — "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair straightens , fixes [me]0-i with that penetrating gaze , " [No one]2059-no one can save [you]0-i . "[45-sinclair]

1

[Saint]47-saint

" And what if [I]217-her do n't ? "[217-her] [Her]217-her low voice slices through [my]0-i guts . " What if [I]217-her do n’t want to be saved ? "[217-her] [she]217-her whispers . [Her]217-her lips tremble and [her]217-her chin wobbles . [Her]217-her beautiful green eyes grow impossibly large in [her]217-her face . An act , all an act . [She]217-her 's married , for fuck 's sake . " Is that how [you]0-i trapped [[your]0-i husband]2055-your husband ? "[217-her] [She]217-her pales . [Her]217-her breath catches . A sharp pain stabs at [my]0-i chest . Shit , now [I]0-i am upset because [I]0-i hurt [her]217-her feelings . Bloody fuck , do [I]0-i have [my]0-i balls or what ? [She]217-her turns to leave , [my]0-i rib cage tightens . [My]0-i lungs burn . [I]0-i swoop down , grab [her]217-her wrist , and pinpricks of heat crawl up [my]0-i arm from the touch . What the fuck ? [She]217-her shivers , did [she]217-her feel that too ? Nah . Surely , it 's a figment of [my]0-i imagination . [I]0-i tug at [her]217-her ; [she]217-her angles [her]217-her body half toward [me]0-i , half away , [her]217-her handbag a red slash of color against the brown of [her]217-her dress . " [People]2061-people are watching . "[217-her] [she]217-her hisses . " The fuck [I]217-her care ? "[217-her] [She]217-her glances at [me]0-i , " What if [I]217-her do ? "[217-her] " Do [you]0-i ? "[217-her] So [I]0-i 'm attracted to [her]217-her . Shit happens . [She]217-her 's [[another man]218-another man 's wife]219-another man 's wife , the kind of complication [I]0-i 've preferred to steer clear of . What is it about [her]217-her that insists [I]0-i stay , tug at [her]217-her wrist until [she]217-her turns to face [me]0-i ? [She]217-her shakes [her]217-her head . One side of [her]217-her beautiful mouth twists . " But [I]217-her 'm afraid [[my]217-her husband]182-my husband does . "[217-her] " And [you]217-her care about [his]182-my husband feelings ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glower . " [I]0-i care about [mine]0-i . "[0-i] [She]217-her tips up [her]217-her chin . [Her]217-her eyes blaze with an inner fire . " If [I]217-her were looking for an affair , it would n't be with the likes of [you]217-her . "[217-her] " Oh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i peruse [her]217-her features , " And are [you]217-her looking for one ? "[0-i] " What ? "[217-her] " [A lover]2063-a lover . Someone who could arouse [you]217-her with a glance , who would kiss [you]217-her until [you]217-her moan , someone who would pull [you]217-her aside and take [you]217-her while [[your]217-her husband]2055-your husband mingles with [the guests]2065-the guests . "[0-i] [I]0-i lean in close enough for [her]217-her sweet sugary scent to lace [my]0-i nostrils . Damn , but [she]217-her 's aroused . " Is that what [you]217-her want ? "[217-her] " No . "[217-her] [Her]217-her eyebrows twist . " Good . "[217-her] [I]0-i release [her]217-her so suddenly that [she]217-her stumbles . " For when [I]217-her take [you]217-her , there will be no space for sweettalk , no emotions involved , no reason for hesitation . [I]217-her 'll treat [your]217-her body like it were [mine]217-her . "[217-her] [She]217-her draws in a sharp breath . " [You]217-her scared , yet ? "[0-i] [I]0-i drawl . " No , "[217-her] [she]217-her mumbles . " [You]0-i should be . "[217-her] A gust of wind blows [her]217-her hair across [her]217-her face . [I]0-i reach up to tuck it behind [her]217-her ear . [She]217-her shivers . [I]0-i unbutton [my]0-i jacket , shrug it off . [She]217-her frowns . " What are [you]0-i doing ? "[217-her] [I]0-i place it about [her]217-her shoulders , position [my]0-i mouth next to [her]217-her ear , " When [I]0-i finally drive into [you]217-her , [you]217-her 'll weep not because [I]0-i 'm hurting [you]217-her , but because [you]217-her are empty without [me]0-i . "[0-i] [Her]217-her breath hitches . " Because [you]217-her ache for [me]217-her and will do anything for [my]217-her fingers in [you]217-her , [my]217-her tongue on [yours]217-her , the squeeze of [my]217-her hand on [your]217-her hips , the burn between [your]217-her thighs as [I]217-her drink from [your]217-her wetness . "[217-her] [I]0-i lower [my]0-i voice . [Her]217-her breasts heave . " When [you]217-her plead with [me]0-i to hurt [you]217-her , to hold [you]217-her down and claim [you]217-her , to put [you]217-her out of [your]217-her agony even as [you]217-her ask to be tormented further ; when [you]217-her beg for [me]0-i with [your]217-her pretty mouth , when [you]217-her yearn to be filled in any way [I]0-i deem fit ... Then , and only then , [I]0-i might let [you]217-her come ... "[0-i] [I]0-i pause , " Or not . "[217-her] [She]217-her swallows . " And when [I]217-her finally take [you]217-her , it will be unexpected , life - altering , mind - blowing , intense . Everything else before will fade in comparison . "[217-her] [Her]217-her breathing grows more ragged . Good . [I]0-i step back , pull the lapels of [my]0-i jacket together . [My]0-i knuckles brush against [her]217-her breasts and [she]217-her shivers . [My]0-i groin tightens and [my]0-i balls hurt . Fuck [me]0-i , but this might be the first time [I]0-i 've talked [myself]0-i into a hard - on — thanks to [her]217-her . " [You]217-her want that , hmm ? "[217-her] [She]217-her shakes [her]217-her head . [I]0-i chuckle . " If [I]0-i touched [you]217-her between [your]217-her legs , [you]217-her and [I]0-i both know [you]217-her 'd be wet . And [you]217-her are soaking , are n't [you]217-her ? "[0-i] [She]217-her bites down on [her]217-her lower lip , spots of color burning high on [her]217-her cheekbones . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i voice to a hush , " Answer [me]0-i . "[0-i] [She]217-her trembles , " Yes . "[217-her] " Do [you]0-i want [me]217-her ? "[217-her] [She]217-her tips up [her]217-her chin , " What if [I]217-her do ? "[217-her] " All [you]0-i have to do is ask . "[217-her] " And [you]0-i 'll give [me]217-her what [I]217-her want ? "[217-her] [Her]217-her eyebrows knit . " [I]217-her 'll make sure [you]217-her get everything [you]217-her deserve . "[217-her] [I]0-i look [her]217-her up and down , " The time [you]217-her spend with [me]0-i will be the single most pleasurable time of [your]217-her life . "[0-i] [Her]217-her lips part . [Her]217-her pupils dilate . " [You]217-her feel [me]217-her ? "[217-her] [She]217-her nods . " Say it . "[217-her] " [I]217-her ... [I]217-her feel [you]0-i , "[217-her] [she]217-her whispers . " Good . "[217-her] [I]0-i turn to leave . Take one step , another . " Wait , "[217-her] [she]217-her calls out . Bingo , [I]0-i bite the inside of [my]0-i cheek to keep from smiling . Give it another second , then turn to glance at [her]217-her . " [Your]0-i jacket . "[217-her] [She]217-her begins to shrug out of it . [I]0-i hold up [my]0-i hand , " Keep it . "[0-i] [I]0-i pivot and leave . What the hell happened [there]220-there ? Why did [she]217-her ask [me]0-i a riddle ? How did [she]217-her know about the ghosts that have haunted [my]0-i worst nightmares since the incident when [six of [[my]0-i friends]2056-my friends]221-six of my friends and [I]0-i had been kidnapped ? And why the hell had [I]0-i allowed [myself]0-i to be drawn into further conversation ? [I]0-i 'd seen the hurt in [her]217-her eyes and had wanted to replace it with a twisted pleasure . A primal part of [me]0-i had wanted [her]217-her to wear clothes [I]0-i bought for [her]217-her . Had wanted to replace memories of any previous encounters with [[her]217-her husband]223-her husband with those that [my]0-i words had aroused in [her]217-her . Does [she]217-her enjoy it when [he]223-her husband fucks [her]217-her ? [I]0-i clench [my]0-i fingers at [my]0-i sides . What the hell is wrong with [me]0-i ? [She]217-her 's taken , married to [another]224-another . [I]0-i should let [her]217-her go . So why does every pore in [my]0-i body insist that this is not over ? [I]0-i head inside [the townhouse that belongs to [[my]0-i friend]226-my friend [Sinclair Sterling]45-sinclair , aka [the groom of the wedding]227-the groom of the wedding]225-the townhouse that belongs to my friend sinclair sterling , aka the groom of the wedding . Striding to the bar , [I]0-i lean over the counter , " Where the fuck did [she]217-her come from ? "[0-i] [I]0-i slide [my]0-i fingers into [my]0-i pocket , searching for the pack of cigarettes that is n't there . Shit , why did [I]0-i quit again ? Whose bloody idea had it been to give up smoking ? [I]0-i sure could do with a puff now . [Weston]62-weston tops up [my]0-i champagne flute . " Who are [you]0-i talking about ? "[62-weston] [he]62-weston asks . " [Victoria]108-victoria , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . " [You]62-weston mean [the woman [you]62-weston 've been ogling]2066-the woman you 've been ogling — "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . [He]62-weston snickers , " — [I]62-weston meant ‘ staring at ’ for the last half hour . "[62-weston] " Fuck off . "[0-i] [I]0-i reach for the champagne . " [She]2066-the woman you 've been ogling 's married . "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston pours the remainder of the bubbling liquid in [his]62-weston glass . " Yeah . "[62-weston] [I]0-i raise the flute to [my]0-i lips . " Is n't that off limits , even for [you]62-weston ? "[0-i] [He]62-weston overturns the bottle , places it in the bucket of ice . [He]62-weston 's right . [I]0-i stay away from [married women]228-married women ... Normally . Do n’t need the kind of emotional baggage that comes with [them]228-married women . Hell no , [I]0-i prefer [my]0-i hookups to be neat — swoop in , decimate , get out . [I]0-i chug down the drink , then grimace . " Is n't there any real alcohol in [this place]2067-this place ? "[0-i] " That 's £ 20,000 [you]62-weston chugged down there , [ol' chap]2068-ol' chap . "[0-i] [I]0-i stare into [my]0-i glass . " Could have fooled [me]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i survey the shelf of liquors behind the bar . " Whiskey , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " Why are [you]62-weston bartending anyway ? "[0-i] " Because [Damian]50-damian decided [he]50-damian preferred the company of [one of the fairer sex than [[our]2070-our esteemed selves]2071-our esteemed selves]2069-one of the fairer sex than our esteemed selves . "[62-weston] " Right , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . [Weston]62-weston half turns [his]62-weston body , reaches for the bottle [I]0-i 'd have chosen [myself]0-i . [Good man]229-good man . [He]62-weston places the bottle on the counter , pulls out tumblers , then proceeds to pour in a generous measure . [I]0-i dunk [my]0-i hand into the bucket , pull out ice - cubes that [I]0-i plop into [my]0-i drink . " Classy . "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston grimaces , uses ice - cube tongs for [his]62-weston . " So , [you]0-i interested in [[Summer]44-summer 's stepmother]2072-summer 's stepmother ? "[0-i] " [She]2072-summer 's stepmother 's [Summer]44-summer 's age . "[0-i] [I]0-i glower . " [You]62-weston ’re not seriously considering this , are [you]62-weston ? "[0-i] " Why not ? "[0-i] [I]0-i swirl the liquid in [my]0-i glass . " Besides , something about that marriage is not right . "[0-i] " [You]0-i can never tell from the outside , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston retorts . " [Only those in the relationship]2073-only those in the relationship have an inkling of what 's happening . "[62-weston] " Come on . "[0-i] [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin , " Watch [the two of [them]2074-the two of them]2074-the two of them . [You]62-weston really think [she]2075-she has feelings for [that piece of shit husband of [hers]2075-she]2076-that piece of shit husband of hers ? "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston glances past [me]0-i . [He]62-weston takes a sip from [his]62-weston glass , " Did n't think [you]0-i were the kind to indulge in speculation . "[62-weston] [Me]0-i neither . [I]0-i rub the back of [my]0-i neck . What the hell am [I]0-i doing thinking about possibilities , about could - have - beens ? Had n't the events of [my]0-i past taught [me]0-i to move on swiftly ? To never look back , never dwell on the piece of shit hand [I]0-i 'd been dealt . [I]0-i chug down [my]0-i drink . " [You]62-weston 're right . "[0-i] [I]0-i set down the glass with a thump . " [I]0-i am going to find out everything about [her]2077-her , [ex - boyfriends]2078-ex - boyfriends , what food [she]2077-her likes , [her]2077-her taste in clothes — "[0-i] " Would n't [you]0-i rather ask [her]2077-her about it ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston tilts [his]62-weston head . " What would the fun be in that ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston stares at [me]0-i , then nods . " True . Knowledge is power and all that . "[62-weston] " [I]0-i am going to dig out every piece of dirt on [her]2077-her and why [she]2077-her ’s married to [that fucker of a husband]2079-that fucker of a husband . "[0-i] [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i fingers about the bottle . [Weston]62-weston pulls out [his]62-weston phone , moves [his]62-weston fingers over the screen . " [I]62-weston know just the person to help [you]0-i . "[62-weston]

2

What is always in front of [you]230-you but ca n’t be seen ? Answer : [Your]230-you future

5 days later

[Victoria

Sunlight]108-victoria shines off the polished casket of [[my]0-i husband]182-my husband . [Adam Rhodes]43-adam died 4 days ago in [[his]43-adam home city of [London]2-london]232-his home city of london of a heart attack . [He]43-adam was fifty - five years old . If [I]0-i sound like [I]0-i am reading the words from an impersonal obituary , it 's because [I]0-i did n't spent much time with [him]43-adam . [I]0-i had played the role of [[his]43-adam wife]233-his wife for less than two months . Nevertheless , [I]0-i should cry , should n't [I]0-i ? [I]0-i bite down on [my]0-i lower lip , stare as the casket disappears out of sight into the ground . [No one]2059-no one deserves to die that young . [I]0-i had n't spent much time with [him]43-adam ... Yet the fact that [he]43-adam was breathing one second , gone the next is ... a shock . A wind blows and goosebumps dot [my]0-i skin . That 's [London]2-london for [you]235-you . One moment [you]235-you are warm in the sun , then the breeze brushes over [you]235-you and it 's as if [someone]236-someone walked over [your]235-you grave . Not a good comparison right now . [My]0-i lips twist . [I]0-i hunch [my]0-i shoulders in [my]0-i jacket — okay , [Saint]47-saint 's jacket . It dwarfs [me]0-i , and [I]0-i had rolled up the sleeves so it would fit . Why the hell had [I]0-i worn it ? What the hell had [I]0-i been thinking ? It had seemed like a small act of defiance , one way to exert control over [my]0-i life , [I]0-i suppose . Had [I]0-i wanted to be surrounded by [his]43-adam scent ? [I]0-i huddle into its warmth . Next to [me]0-i , [Summer]44-summer 's shoulders shake . [She]44-summer clings to [[her]44-summer sister]237-her sister [Karma]51-karma . [Both girls]238-both girls had reconnected to [[their]238-both girls father]239-their father after so long , only to lose [him]43-adam again . This was n't supposed to happen . It means [I]0-i am on [my]0-i own . An electric current surges up [my]0-i spine . [I]0-i stare past [the open grave]240-the open grave . Blue eyes bore into [me]0-i . The force of [his]43-adam physical presence crashes into [me]0-i . The impact of [his]43-adam dominance pulls at [me]0-i . The hollow feeling in [my]0-i belly intensifies . The melting sensation in [my]0-i core deepens . Shit . [[My]0-i ' husband]190-my ' husband ' is in [[his]190-my ' husband newly - dug grave]242-his newly - dug grave , not a few feet away , and [I]0-i ca n't stop eye - fucking [the man]207-the man[the almost stranger]244-the almost stranger[the man who 'd threatened to hurt [me]0-i if [I]0-i engage with [him]207-the man again]245-the man who 'd threatened to hurt me if i engage with him again . What the hell is wrong with [me]0-i ? [He]207-the man takes a step forward , and hell , if [I]0-i 'm going to let [him]207-the man approach [me]0-i here in front of [[my]0-i family]246-my family[[my]0-i dead husband 's family]247-my dead husband 's family . That makes [me]0-i [a widow]248-a widow , right ? A pressure builds at [my]0-i temples . This entire thing is getting out of hand . This is not what [I]0-i had agreed to when [I]0-i had bargained with [the kidnappers]249-the kidnappers for [Nina]52-nina 's freedom . [I]0-i 'd agreed to pose as wife to [Adam Rhodes]43-adam on this trip , and returned to [[my]0-i home country]250-my home country , as part of the plan . But [Saint]47-saint ... ? This chemistry between [us]251-us ... ? Hell , if it is n't a complication . In that sense , [Adam]43-adam dying had been opportune . It means [I]0-i do n't have to add the role of [cheating spouse]252-cheating spouse to [my]0-i persona . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i eyes shut . Bloody hell . How can [I]0-i be this callous ? [I]0-i barely knew [the man who had posed as [[my]0-i husband]182-my husband]253-the man who had posed as my husband , but when had [I]0-i become so insensitive that [I]0-i could n't pause long enough to mourn the end of [someone]236-someone 's life ? [I]0-i turn to [Summer]44-summer . " [I]44-summer have to go , "[44-summer] [I]0-i choke on the words . [I]0-i do n't have to fake the confusion or the pain that [I]0-i am sure is etched on [my]0-i face . [She]44-summer glances at [me]0-i , " [You]0-i okay [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[44-summer] [I]0-i nod . " Why do n't [you]0-i come [home]213-home with [me]44-summer and ... "[44-summer] [She]44-summer glances at [Sinclair]45-sinclair and [her]44-summer voice trails off . So , [the two of [them]2074-the two of them]2074-the two of them have n't resolved whatever has been marring [their]2074-the two of them relationship ? [I]0-i wish [I]0-i could offer [her]44-summer some advice , but [glass houses]257-glass houses , and all that . " [You]0-i could come to [[our]2074-the two of them place]2081-our place , "[51-karma] [Karma]51-karma offers . " It 's [a tiny apartment]2082-a tiny apartment , but [you]0-i 'll have [company]2083-company . "[51-karma] " [I]0-i ... "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " [I]0-i think it 's better if [I]0-i am on [my]0-i own . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance between [them]2074-the two of them . " Not that [I]0-i do n't appreciate the offer . Honestly , [[you]2074-the two of them two]2084-you two have been more than generous , considering how much of a shock the last couple of days have been . "[0-i] [My]0-i chin wobbles . [I]0-i twist [my]0-i fingers together . " [I]0-i need to get [my]0-i head around what 's happened . "[0-i] [Karma]51-karma opens [her]51-karma mouth to speak , but [Summer]44-summer shakes [her]44-summer head at [[her]44-summer sister]237-her sister . [Karma]51-karma frowns , then subsides . Whew ! Okay . [I]0-i do n't want to tell any more lies ... [I]0-i need to crawl into bed and think about how to put the next phase of this plan into action . [Summer]44-summer reaches forward and hugs [me]0-i . [I]0-i pat [her]44-summer shoulder . " Thank [you]44-summer for accepting [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " [You]44-summer 're welcome . "[0-i] [She]44-summer steps back , " [We]2085-we need to stick together , huh ? It 's the only way to get through this shit that life insists on throwing at [us]2085-we . "[44-summer] [I]0-i squeeze [her]44-summer hand , then brush past [her]44-summer , and head for [the black limo that had brought [me]0-i [here]260-here]259-the black limo that had brought me here . [I]0-i twist open the door handle and sink inside [the vehicle]261-the vehicle . " Move over . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ducks inside , forcing [me]0-i to scoot over . [He]47-saint drops into the seat opposite [me]0-i , slams the door shut . " What are [you]47-saint doing ? "[47-saint] [I]0-i gape . [He]47-saint half turns and raps on the partition that separates [the chauffeur]262-the chauffeur from [the passengers]263-the passengers , then straightens . [The car]264-the car pulls away from the curb , leaving [me]0-i trapped with this ... [this man whose face [I]0-i have seen only once ; whose features are burned into [my]0-i mind]265-this man whose face i have seen only once ; whose features are burned into my mind . Hell . No way , am [I]0-i riding with [him]47-saint . Not for one second more . [I]0-i grab at [my]0-i handle ; the door does n't open . The hell ? [I]0-i slap at the barrier between the seats . [The driver]266-the driver does n't respond . Hit the switch that opens the communication channel with [the chauffeur]262-the chauffeur , " Pull over . [I]266-the driver want to get out . "[266-the driver] There 's no answer . " Stop [this car]2086-this car now , or [I]266-the driver am going to call [the police]2087-the police . "[266-the driver] " Go ahead . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint smirks . [I]0-i pull out [my]0-i phone from [my]0-i handbag , position [my]0-i fingers over the keypad . And pause . A beat , another . " Thought not . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint takes the phone from [me]0-i and pockets it . " [I]47-saint 'll take that jacket now . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint jerks [his]47-saint chin at [my]0-i attire . " What ? "[47-saint] [I]0-i gape . " [My]0-i jacket , [my]0-i rules . "[0-i] [His]47-saint eyes glint . Jerk . [I]0-i undo the buttons , shrug off the jacket . " It was n't [your]0-i color anyway , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint comments . " No ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint shakes [his]47-saint head , " It accentuates the dark circles under [your]0-i eyes . "[47-saint] " Fuck [you]47-saint very much . "[0-i] [I]0-i hold out the jacket to [him]47-saint . [He]47-saint chuckles , then jerks [his]47-saint chin . [I]0-i follow [his]47-saint gaze to the coat hanger by the window on [his]47-saint side . [It]268-it ’s either maneuver around [him]47-saint or over [him]47-saint to reach it . " Do it . "[268-it] What [a complete bastard]269-a complete bastard . To hell with it , [I]0-i am not going to allow [him]47-saint to intimidate [me]0-i . [I]0-i half crawl over [him]47-saint , reach for the hook at the far side , miss , then swear aloud . [His]47-saint chuckle floats from over [me]0-i , [his]47-saint scent surrounds [me]0-i , and the corded muscles of [his]47-saint thighs graze against [my]0-i stomach . [I]0-i shiver , reach up for it again . Success . [I]0-i hang the damn thing up , then retreat to [my]0-i side of the seat . " [You]0-i get much sleep ? "[47-saint] [His]47-saint voice dips , takes on that gravelly tenor that sends a fresh surge of heat down [my]0-i spine . Hell , this crazy reaction to [his]47-saint proximity ? Clearly , [I]0-i had n't imagined it from [our]270-our first meeting . " What do [you]47-saint think ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glance out through the tinted windows as [the car]264-the car eases onto [the main road]272-the main road . " Where are [we]270-our going ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . " Where do [you]47-saint think ? "[0-i] [I]0-i hear the amusement in [his]47-saint voice . A fresh burst of anger flares to life in [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i turn on [him]47-saint , " Stop this , whatever it is . "[0-i] " [You]0-i started it . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint folds one leg over [his]47-saint other knee , and [my]0-i gaze is drawn to the beat - up cowboy boots . " Is that the same pair [you]47-saint had on the other day ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint stiffens , then circles [his]47-saint ankle with [his]47-saint thick fingers . " Curious about [me]47-saint ? Want to get to know [me]47-saint better , hmm ? "[47-saint] " Of course , not . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn away , glance at the bumper - to - bumper traffic . Who knew there was a graveyard in [the middle of [the city]274-the city]273-the middle of the city tucked away behind all those trees ? [That 's [London]2-london for [you]276-you]275-that 's london for you . Full of surprises . [You]276-you are never too far from [a park]277-a park , or as it turns out in this case , [a resting place reserved for [the very rich]279-the very rich]278-a resting place reserved for the very rich . " [I]47-saint am taking [you]276-you to [[your]276-you hotel]2088-your hotel . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint 's gravelly voice chafes over [my]0-i skin . [I]0-i 'm instantly wet ... Okay , wetter . Oh , my god ! If [anyone]280-anyone can seduce with words , it is [this man]206-this man . " This is [[my]0-i car]2089-my car , "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to [him]206-this man , " so it stands to reason that [I]0-i am the one taking [you]206-this man — "[0-i] [His]206-this man smile widens [I]0-i snap [my]0-i mouth shut . " That 's not what [I]0-i meant . "[0-i] " Oh ? "[206-this man] [He]206-this man tilts [his]206-this man head . " [I]206-this man beg to differ , but let [me]206-this man be absolutely clear , [you]0-i wo n’t be taking [me]206-this man anywhere . [I]206-this man ’ll be taking [you]0-i . And [I]206-this man promise [you]0-i , [I]206-this man will take [you]0-i , and when [I]206-this man do , it will never be a meeting of [equals]2090-equals , for ... "[206-this man] [He]206-this man leans in close , " [I]206-this man hold the power . Never forget that . "[206-this man] [I]0-i stare into [those]282-those cold blue eyes.—the blackness that crawls in their depths , that pulls at [me]0-i , calls to [me]0-i , that resonates with that most intimate part of [me]0-i , the one that [I]0-i 've never acknowledged , that wants to be taken without mercy . How dare [he]206-this man find out about [my]0-i innermost needs when [I]0-i had never acknowledged them [myself]0-i ? Only when [my]0-i palm connects with [his]206-this man face , do [I]0-i realize what [I]0-i 've done . [I]0-i gasp . [My]0-i fingers tingle . [I]0-i take in the reddening fingerprints on [his]206-this man cheek . " [I]0-i ... [I]0-i 'm sorry , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . [He]206-this man peels back [his]206-this man lips , [his]206-this man teeth flashing white against [his]206-this man tanned skin . " Oh , [you]0-i will be . "[206-this man] [He]206-this man swoops down . [I]0-i cringe away , but [he]206-this man 's too fast . [He]206-this man buries [his]206-this man fingers in [my]0-i hair , tugs [me]0-i forward . [I]0-i strain against [his]206-this man hold . [He]206-this man applies pressure — not bruising , not punishing , but just enough for [me]0-i to lean into [him]206-this man . The black scarf slips from around [my]0-i neck . [He]206-this man lowers [his]206-this man gaze to where the tops of [my]0-i breasts are exposed from above the low - cut neckline . [His]206-this man jaw tics . " What belongs to [you]0-i , but is used by [others]2091-others ? "[206-this man] [His]206-this man voice coils around [me]0-i , slithers down into the crevasse between [my]0-i lower lips , reaches deep inside , touching , stroking , molding to [my]0-i contours — a living entity that wants and takes , that never stops , that will not be satisfied until [I]0-i submit to [him]206-this man . Submit . " Answer the bloody question . "[206-this man] [His]206-this man tone rams through the jumbled quagmire of [my]0-i mind , pulling [me]0-i in , drawing [me]0-i down , insisting that [I]0-i focus [my]0-i attention on that beautiful visage . " [You]0-i have one second to answer . "[206-this man] [He]206-this man raises heavy - lidded eyelids ; a flush of red suffuses [his]206-this man cheeks . So , [he]206-this man 's not impervious to [me]0-i either . This , whatever it is between [us]283-us , affects [him]206-this man as well . What does that mean ? Can [I]0-i use it to [my]0-i advantage ? Do [I]0-i dare leverage it to get what [I]0-i want from [him]206-this man ? [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin . " [I]0-i[I]0-i do n’t know . "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " Are [you]206-this man sure [you]206-this man want to find out ? "[206-this man] [He]206-this man leans in close enough for [his]206-this man scent to overpower [me]0-i . The heat from [his]206-this man big body slams into [my]0-i chest . [His]206-this man breath sears [my]0-i cheeks , and [our]284-our noses bump . [He]206-this man drops [his]206-this man gaze to [my]0-i mouth . [I]0-i part [my]0-i lips , close the remaining millimeters between [us]284-our . [The world]212-the world tilts . [He]206-this man grabs [my]0-i shoulder , applies enough pressure that [I]0-i slip off the car seat and down onto the floor on [my]0-i knees . [I]0-i glance up at [him]206-this man , " [You]206-this man have some nerve . "[0-i] [He]206-this man smirks , widens [his]206-this man legs . Do n't look down . Do n’t . [I]0-i glance down at the bulge that tents [his]206-this man crotch , which is definitely considerably larger than what [I]0-i 'd noticed at the wedding . Saliva pools in [my]0-i mouth . How big , how beautifully heavy [he]206-this man 'd feel down [my]0-i throat . What the hell am [I]0-i thinking ? " [I]0-i just buried [[my]0-i husband]182-my husband , "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " [You]206-this man did n't love [him]182-my husband . "[0-i] [My]0-i jaw drops , " How dare [you]206-this man arrive at that assumption ? "[0-i] " Am [I]206-this man wrong ? "[206-this man] [His]206-this man gaze burns into [me]0-i . A pulse beats at [his]206-this man temple . [He]206-this man peruses [my]0-i features , " Tell [me]206-this man . "[206-this man] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . [His]206-this man shoulders relax . Huh , does it mean anything to [him]206-this man that [I]0-i had no feelings for [Adam]43-adam ? That it was all a front to get [me]0-i [here]260-here ? Why is it important to [him]206-this man that [I]0-i did n't love [another man]218-another man ? [I]0-i blink at [him]206-this man . [He]206-this man lowers [his]206-this man chin , " Ask [me]206-this man to pull [the car]264-the car over and leave . "[206-this man] " Would [you]0-i do it ? "[206-this man] [I]0-i frown . " Nope , "[206-this man] [he]206-this man chuckles , " but it sure was fun allowing [you]0-i to think [you]0-i had the option . "[206-this man] Anger twists [my]0-i chest . Blood thuds at [my]0-i temple . [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hand again . [He]206-this man does n’t take [his]206-this man gaze from [my]0-i face . " Do n't , "[206-this man] [he]206-this man rasps . One word . A softly spoken command . [My]0-i belly quivers . The force of [his]206-this man personality seems to grow until it fills the space , pushes down on [my]0-i shoulders , holds [me]0-i in thrall of this strange connection between [us]288-us . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i arm " [Good girl]2094-good girl . "[0-i] A flush burns [my]0-i cheeks . Why does [his]206-this man praise mean [the world]212-the world to [me]0-i ? Why do [I]0-i want to please [him]206-this man with every fiber in [my]0-i being ? This is unnatural . [I]0-i frown . " [You]0-i think too much , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [He]206-this man touches [his]206-this man finger to [my]0-i forehead . " [My]206-this man name 's [Victoria]108-victoria , "[206-this man] [I]0-i retort . " [Gigi]53-gigi suits [you]0-i better . "[206-this man] " Why is that ? "[206-this man] " Short for [Good Girl]2094-good girl . "[206-this man] [He]206-this man presses [his]206-this man knuckles below [my]0-i chin , " Also [you]0-i look like [a Gigi]2096-a gigi . ”[206-this man] [He]206-this man turns [my]0-i face up , " Definitely , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[206-this man] [I]0-i stare up at [him]206-this man . [I]0-i 've always hated [my]0-i name . How the hell did [he]206-this man perceive that ? [My]0-i pulse begins to race . " Also , the answer is ' [my]206-this man name , ' ”[206-this man] [he]206-this man drawls . " What ? "[206-this man] [I]0-i frown . " What do [you]206-this man mean ? "[0-i] " The answer to [my]206-this man earlier riddle , of course . And [you]206-this man 're welcome . "[206-this man] " For what ? "[206-this man] " [I]0-i 've decided to spare [you]206-this man the blow job . "[0-i] " What ? "[206-this man] [He]206-this man nods . " Do n't tell [me]206-this man [you]206-this man did n't think about it ? "[206-this man] " Of course , not . "[0-i] [I]0-i lie . " How about this ? The more [you]206-this man cram into it , the wetter it grows . What is it ? "[0-i] " Another riddle ? "[0-i] [I]0-i bite the inside of [my]0-i cheek . " [You]0-i started the game , "[206-this man] [he]206-this man reminds [me]0-i . " Think [you]0-i can keep up with [me]206-this man ? "[206-this man] [His]206-this man lips curl in that smirk — that [I]0-i am coming to hate . " This [your]206-this man idea of fun ? "[0-i] [I]0-i set [my]0-i jaw . " No , but this is . "[0-i] [He]206-this man lowers [his]206-this man zipper and [his]206-this man cock springs free . Hard , massive , it points up at [me]0-i , inviting [me]0-i , mocking [me]0-i . A vein pulses up the underside . The head is swollen , nearly purple — How is [he]206-this man this aroused ? Why is it that every time [I]0-i see [him]206-this man , [he]206-this man seems to be erect ? Why do [I]0-i care ? So what if [my]0-i mouth waters and a pulse flares to life between [my]0-i legs ? [The man]207-the man 's seriously packing , and hell , if [I]0-i do n't want to wrap [my]0-i fingers around that beautiful length . No , no , no , did [you]291-you call [his]206-this man dick beautiful ? Look away , look away . [I]0-i raise [my]0-i gaze to [his]206-this man face . " No boxers ? "[0-i] Did [I]0-i say that ? Why is it that there is no filter to [my]0-i thoughts ? [I]0-i am not normally this way . [I]0-i am reserved , aloof ... That 's what [I]0-i ’ve been told , anyway . Is it the role [I]0-i ’m playing that 's allowing [me]0-i to lower [my]0-i barriers ? To speak what 's on [my]0-i mind and damn the consequences ? [I]0-i mean , how much worse could it get , right ? " [You]0-i prefer [I]206-this man wear boxers ? "[206-this man] [he]206-this man asks . " [I]206-this man do n't prefer [you]0-i at all . "[206-this man] " More lies . "[206-this man] [He]206-this man clicks [his]206-this man tongue . " [We]2097-we 'll have to work on that . "[206-this man] " [I]0-i am not working on anything with [you]206-this man , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . " Oh , but [you]0-i will . "[0-i] [He]206-this man grips [his]206-this man thick cock , swipes [himself]206-this man from root to head . A bead of precum appears at the top . Saliva pools in [my]0-i mouth . Why is the sight of [him]206-this man getting [himself]206-this man hot so hot ? [I]0-i 've seen [my]0-i share of porn online , researched more in preparation of this role — yeah , [the nerd in [me]0-i]292-the nerd in me could n't stop until [I]0-i 'd done a bloody thorough job of it — but this ... ? [Saint]47-saint 's thick fingers wrapped around [himself]206-this man is ... a study in eroticism . " A hole . "[206-this man] [His]206-this man voice is harsh . [I]0-i blink up at [him]206-this man , " Is that the answer to [your]206-this man last riddle ? "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " Did it turn [you]0-i on when [I]206-this man said that ? "[206-this man] [he]206-this man asks . Heat flares low in [my]0-i belly . [My]0-i core pulses in agreement . [My]0-i throat closes . [My]0-i mouth is so dry [I]0-i am sure [I]0-i ca n't force out a word . [He]206-this man jerks [his]206-this man chin as if [he]206-this man 's already heard [my]0-i answer , then releases [me]0-i , only to scoop up the moisture from [his]206-this man dick . [He]206-this man holds out [his]206-this man thumb . " Open . "[206-this man] [His]206-this man voice is low , hushed . The dark edge to [his]206-this man tone brooks no refusal . Obey [him]206-this man . Do it . [My]0-i mouth waters . Heat curls low in [my]0-i belly . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i mouth , close it around [his]206-this man finger .

3

[Saint]47-saint

[I]0-i glance down at the back of [her]293-her head . [Her]293-her pink tongue swirls around [my]0-i finger , then [she]293-her takes [me]0-i in , sucks on [my]0-i digit . [My]0-i cock jerks . Bloody hell . [She]293-her is n't supposed to affect [me]0-i on such an elemental level . This yearning need that boils up inside of [me]0-i , that had compelled [me]0-i to glance at [her]293-her across [the freshly - dug grave of [[her]293-her husband]223-her husband]294-the freshly - dug grave of her husband and think : [mine]296-mine . What the fuck is that about ? [I]0-i do n't do emotions . Nor relationships . Definitely never allow [a woman]297-a woman to take control . Ever . [I]0-i scowl as [she]293-her takes [my]0-i finger deeper into [her]293-her mouth . [She]293-her presses the length of [her]293-her tongue to [my]0-i digit , and heat radiates from the contact ; blood rushes to [my]0-i groin . " Fucking fuck . "[293-her] [She]293-her sucks in [her]293-her lips , mocking the motion of what [she]293-her could do to [my]0-i cock . A pulse flares to life behind [my]0-i eyelids , at [my]0-i wrist , even in [my]0-i fucking balls . [She]293-her leans back , releasing [my]0-i finger with a wet plop . " Is that enough ? "[293-her] [she]293-her snaps . " [We]2098-we have n't even begun . "[293-her] " This is wrong . "[293-her] [Her]293-her lips tighten . " Whatever the relationship between [Adam]43-adam and [me]293-her ... [We]2098-we just buried [him]43-adam . It 's basic human decency , that [we]2098-we do n't — "[293-her] " Fuck ? "[0-i] [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head . " But [we]2098-we are n't . "[0-i] " A technicality . "[293-her] [she]293-her insists . " Oh , believe [me]293-her , when [we]2098-we screw , there will be nothing technical about it . "[293-her] [She]293-her trembles . [The limo]298-the limo moves forward with a muted lurch . Silence a beat , then another . " Do n't do it . "[293-her] [she]293-her murmurs . " [You]0-i mean this ? "[293-her] [I]0-i reach down , swipe [myself]0-i from base to head . [She]293-her gulps . The black of [her]293-her pupils bleeds out , leaving only a circle of green around them . [This woman]299-this woman ... [Her]299-this woman response is the single most erotic thing [I]0-i have ever seen . [Her]293-her gaze latches onto [my]0-i motions as [I]0-i pump [myself]0-i back - forth - back . " Why ? "[293-her] [she]293-her asks . [Her]293-her features twist . [Her]293-her gaze , though , does n't waver . [She]293-her watches with a single - minded intensity that 's as much of a turn on ... more so ... with the anticipation that builds between [us]300-us . Because there 's a strange pleasure in denying [myself]0-i access to what [I]0-i could so easily have . One glance and [she]293-her 'd be on [her]293-her back , opening [her]293-her legs to [me]0-i ... but that would be too easy . Besides , [I]0-i need [her]293-her to come to [me]0-i ; to put [herself]293-her at [my]0-i mercy . Until then , this will have to do . [I]0-i increase the pace of [my]0-i movements . [Her]293-her breathing grows ragged . [Her]293-her chest rises and falls . [I]0-i watch [her]293-her watch [me]0-i pleasure [myself]0-i , and fuck , if that is n't the most erotic sensation ever . The tension tightens at the base of [my]0-i spine . Fuck , if [I]0-i do n’t come right now . [I]0-i squeeze the base of [my]0-i cock to hold [myself]0-i in . " [I]0-i absolve [you]293-her of responsibility , [Gigi]53-gigi , "[0-i] [I]0-i snap . [She]293-her jerks [her]293-her chin , " What do [you]0-i mean ? "[293-her] " [You]293-her do n't have to pretend . [You]293-her want to do this , but [your]293-her conscience does n't permit [you]293-her . Well , blame it on [me]293-her . Use [me]293-her as [your]293-her excuse . When [we]2099-we get to the other side , [you]293-her can resume [your]293-her role in [the real world]2100-the real world , but for now , there 's only [me]293-her , [you]293-her , and this orgasm that 's pushing for release . Allow [yourself]293-her to enjoy this , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[293-her] [She]293-her draws in a sharp breath , [her]293-her lips part , and it 's as if it ’s a signal . [My]0-i orgasm roars out ; [my]0-i balls draw up . [I]0-i position [my]0-i dick and come all over [her]293-her face , [her]293-her chest , across [her]293-her arms . [Her]293-her chest rises and falls ; [her]293-her shoulders snap back . " Do n't [you]53-gigi dare come , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[293-her] " What ? "[293-her] [she]293-her gasps . " [You]293-her heard [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i admonish . [She]293-her licks [her]293-her lips , [her]293-her shoulders heave . [I]0-i reach across and rub [my]0-i cum into [her]293-her face , [her]293-her neck , into the creamy skin of [her]293-her arms . Then [I]0-i reach for the tissue holder , snatch up some sheets and clean [myself]0-i off . [I]0-i tuck [myself]0-i in , help [her]293-her onto the seat , making sure to keep the length of the seat between [us]301-us . " [[You]0-i bastard]2101-you bastard , "[293-her] [she]293-her snarls . " [You]0-i 're frustrated . [I]0-i understand . "[0-i] [I]0-i smirk . This is a new low , even for [me]0-i . Shit . Why eviscerate [her]293-her ego completely ? Is this the only way [I]0-i am able to communicate ? To hide behind the façade [I]0-i have so carefully built to hide from [the world]212-the world ? [She]293-her makes a noise deep in [her]293-her throat . [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " Do n’t do it . "[293-her] " What ? "[293-her] " Whatever bodily injury [you]293-her were planning . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance at [her]293-her sideways . " [I]0-i 'm stronger than [you]293-her . "[0-i] " No shit . "[293-her] [She]293-her tosses [her]293-her head . " [You]0-i do n't get it now , but it 's for [your]0-i own good . "[293-her] " What ? "[293-her] [She]293-her throws up [her]293-her hands . " [You]0-i coming all over [me]293-her — "[293-her] " Which [you]293-her enjoyed . "[293-her] [She]293-her opens [her]293-her mouth — [I]0-i slash [my]0-i palm across the air , " Do n't deny it . "[0-i] [She]293-her flattens [her]293-her lips , " — or that [you]0-i did n’t let [me]293-her come ? "[293-her] " Ah ... Now that , "[0-i] [I]0-i tap [my]0-i fingers on [my]0-i chest , " is easy to fix . "[0-i] " [I]293-her 'm sure [I]293-her do n't want to know this . "[293-her] " Oh , but [you]293-her do . All [you]293-her have to do is come to [me]293-her and ask [me]293-her for help . "[293-her] " Help ? "[0-i] " From whatever situation it is that [you]293-her find [yourself]293-her in . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn , scan [her]293-her features . " [I]0-i have power , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] " And money , "[293-her] [she]293-her says bitterly . " More than [you]0-i can imagine . "[293-her] [I]0-i nod . " Whatever problem [you]293-her have , [I]0-i can resolve it for [you]293-her . "[0-i] " In return for what ? "[0-i] [I]0-i look [her]293-her up and down , " [I]0-i 'll think of something . "[0-i] " No doubt . "[293-her] [She]293-her turns to glance outside , [her]293-her profile bleak . [Her]293-her chin wobbles . That same strange heat stabs at [my]0-i chest , a reaction [I]0-i seem to have when [I]0-i hurt [her]293-her . Fuck . This ... is unacceptable . " Or not . "[0-i] [I]0-i straighten . [The limo]298-the limo pulls up to the curb in front of [[her]293-her hotel]304-her hotel . [She]293-her reaches for the door . " There 's one thing more . "[293-her] [She]293-her pauses . " [You]293-her wo n't come , "[0-i] [I]0-i command . " What ? "[0-i] [She]293-her turns around to stare at [me]0-i . " The hell do [you]293-her mean ? "[293-her] [I]0-i lean back , place [my]0-i arm across the back of the seat . " [Your]293-her every orgasm belongs to [me]0-i . "[0-i] " No . "[0-i] " Yes , "[0-i] [I]0-i nod , waggle a finger in the air . " No cheating , [darling]2102-darling . [You]293-her will not come until [I]0-i give [you]293-her permission . "[0-i] " Fuck [you]0-i . "[293-her] [She]293-her pushes open the door , flounces off . [The limo]298-the limo pulls away , turns the corner , then stops . [I]0-i push open [my]0-i door , step around , and slide into [the driver]266-the driver 's seat . " [You]0-i better know what [you]0-i 're doing , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston growls from the passenger seat . [I]0-i glance over [him]62-weston , laugh , " The uniform suits [you]62-weston . "[0-i] " [I]62-weston did n't have to wear the hat . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston tosses it down between the seats . " Aww , [women]2103-women love [men]2104-men in uniform , "[62-weston] [I]0-i snicker . " [You]0-i 're envious of how [I]62-weston look in scrubs , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston retorts . [I]0-i shoot [him]62-weston a sideways glance . " Still ca n't understand why [you]62-weston chose to become [a doctor]2105-a doctor . "[0-i] " Same reason [you]62-weston wear those beat up cowboy boots . "[0-i] " Sentimental value . "[0-i] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders . " Keep telling [yourself]0-i that , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston mutters . " Besides , considering the amount of time [I]62-weston 'm spending to help [you]0-i with [your]0-i affair , [I]62-weston may not be [a doctor]2105-a doctor for much longer . "[62-weston] " Not an affair , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter , easing [the car]264-the car back in traffic . " Yeah . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston scratches [his]62-weston jaw , " Seriously , [you]0-i could have allowed [the woman]2107-the woman a little time to recover from the funeral . "[62-weston] " It 's all a bloody act . "[62-weston] [I]0-i spot a break in traffic , step on the gas , and [the limo]298-the limo pulls forward . " [The private investigator]2108-the private investigator come through with information ? "[0-i] " Some . "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . " Enough to confirm that [she]2107-the woman 's not as innocent as [she]2107-the woman 'd want [me]0-i to believe . "[0-i] " And [her]2107-the woman marriage ? "[0-i] [I]0-i draw in a breath , then pull out [my]0-i pack of cigarettes . [I]0-i depress the button for the lighter , then toss the pack over to [Weston]62-weston , " Light one for [me]0-i , will [you]62-weston ? "[0-i] " Thought [you]62-weston quit . "[62-weston] " Do n't fucking nag [me]62-weston , [man]2109-man . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston shoots [me]0-i a sideways glance , then pulls out a cigarette . [He]62-weston leans forward , grabs the lighter from the dash and lights it up . [He]62-weston blows out smoke , before placing it between [my]0-i lips . [I]0-i draw in a puff , then another . " So , [her]2110-her marriage is — ? "[62-weston] [he]62-weston prompts . [I]0-i blow out a breath . " Could n't find any evidence of it being legal . "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston turns to [me]0-i , " [You]0-i mean ... ? "[62-weston] [I]0-i hold up [my]0-i hand , " [I]0-i do n't think it 's genuine . "[0-i] " Maybe it 's wishful thinking ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston drums [his]62-weston fingers on [his]62-weston thigh . " [You]0-i sure that [you]0-i are n't splitting straws . "[62-weston] And is n't that the fucking truth ? Why the hell ca n't [I]0-i simply walk away from [her]309-her ? " [We]2111-we 'll find out soon enough . "[0-i] [I]0-i draw in a breath . " For now the scene is set . "[0-i] " Scene ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston glowers at [me]0-i . " Do n't push it , [man]2109-man . [You]2109-man 're already w - a - a - y too involved with [this woman]299-this woman . "[62-weston] " Involved ? "[0-i] [I]0-i laugh . " [You]62-weston know how much [I]0-i love riddles . It 's been a long time since [I]0-i ’ve found one that challenged [me]0-i . "[0-i] " Be careful , [Saint]47-saint . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston snickers , " Some puzzles are best left unsolved . "[62-weston]

4

What is more useful when it is broken ? Answer : An egg

Three weeks later

[Victoria]108-victoria

" Am [I]0-i intruding ? "[0-i] [I]0-i stare across [the office of the executive level of [7A investments]4-7a investments]310-the office of the executive level of 7a investments . This is it . [I]0-i could n't put it off anymore . [I]0-i have nowhere else to go in [this city]311-this city . After [Adam]43-adam 's death , [I]0-i 'd moved out of [the hotel]312-the hotel and into [a studio in [Hackney]5-hackney]313-a studio in hackney . [I]0-i am playing the role [the Mafia]314-the mafia has demanded of [me]0-i , but the resources [I]0-i have to rely on are meagre — what [I]0-i have left over from the job [I]0-i 'd started after graduating from [UCLA]6-ucla . A month into it , [I]0-i got the call that [Nina]52-nina had been kidnapped , and [my]0-i entire life had changed . " [You]47-saint ’re already here . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint glares back . " May as well come all the way in . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint drags [his]47-saint gaze down to [my]0-i chest . A flush blooms on [my]0-i cheeks . [I]0-i have n't seen [him]47-saint since that encounter in [the limo]298-the limo , but [his]47-saint every word , the expression on [his]47-saint face as [he]47-saint 'd come , the way [he]47-saint 'd massaged [his]47-saint cum into [my]0-i skin , marking [me]0-i as [his]47-saint ... [I]0-i remember every single detail . [I]0-i had masturbated every night to the image of [his]47-saint orgasm ; and [I]0-i had not come . Damn [him]47-saint , but [I]0-i could n't let [myself]0-i climax . It was n't for trying , honestly , but every time [I]0-i came close to the edge , [I]0-i lost courage , [I]0-i could n't see it through . [I]0-i felt bereft . [Rudderless]54-rudderless . Needing , wanting , searching for something ... [someone]236-someone to lead [me]0-i . To take control . Damn [the man]207-the man , [I]0-i do n't need [his]207-the man permission to come . [I]0-i do n't . [His]207-the man perusal shifts to [my]0-i belly , [my]0-i core . Moisture pools in [my]0-i center . Sweat beads [my]0-i palm . The invisible connection between [us]318-us crackles , tightens further . [My]0-i scalp tingles . The hair on [my]0-i neck rises . Is the chemistry between [us]318-us more potent than [I]0-i remember ? [My]0-i head spins . " [Victoria]108-victoria , are [you]108-victoria okay ? "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer asks from across [the room]319-the room . [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth to answer when a sound reaches [me]0-i . [I]0-i glance down to find a puppy sniffing at [my]0-i ankles . Huh ? Why had n't [I]0-i noticed [the little fella]320-the little fella earlier ? [He]320-the little fella whines , plonks [himself]320-the little fella down on [his]320-the little fella haunches and looks up at [me]0-i with melting eyes . [My]0-i heart squeezes . A pressure builds at [my]0-i temples . Jesus , what is wrong with [me]0-i ? [I]0-i bend , pet [him]320-the little fella . [He]320-the little fella licks [my]0-i fingers and warmth travels up [my]0-i arm . [He]320-the little fella turns , runs to [his]320-the little fella bed , and settles there with [his]320-the little fella chew toy . [He]320-the little fella 's so cute , just [a baby]321-a baby . A heaviness grips [my]0-i chest . If only [I]0-i had [[someone]236-someone to call [my]0-i own]323-someone to call my own . [A pet]324-a pet ? [A child]325-a child ? The emptiness inside of [me]0-i stutters , rolls into itself , grows larger , broader , swells inside , taking on a physical shape . The visceral need to procreate is a tangible thing that claws at [me]0-i , shoves out at [me]0-i , pushes [me]0-i to draw in a sharp breath . Oh [my]0-i god , what 's happening to [me]0-i ? Why is the sight of a dog affecting [me]0-i so much ? Is it because the meeting with [[Nina]52-nina 's kidnapper]326-nina 's kidnapper has shown [me]0-i how quickly everything can shift ? [He]326-nina 's kidnapper 'd told [me]0-i that the plan had changed to accommodate [Adam]43-adam 's death . No longer is it about reporting back on the activities of [the Seven]55-the seven . [My]0-i stomach ties itself in knots ; [I]0-i now have to win the trust of [one of [them]55-the seven]201-one of them . Specifically , [I]0-i have to retrieve a crucial piece of evidence that is in [Saint]47-saint 's grasp , and get it back to [them]55-the seven . And [I]0-i have to do this on [my]0-i own . The hairs on the nape of [my]0-i neck prickle . Can [I]0-i do that ? Can [I]0-i use the chemistry between [us]328-us to win [his]326-nina 's kidnapper confidence , only to betray [him]326-nina 's kidnapper ? [My]0-i guts clench ; [my]0-i core melts . Why does the thought of staying close to [him]326-nina 's kidnapper turn [me]0-i on ? Why does the fact that [I]0-i would have to turn against [him]326-nina 's kidnapper feel so wrong ? There is no other route to saving [Nina]52-nina . [I]0-i have no choice but to go through with this . [My]0-i throat closes . Specks of black dot [my]0-i vision . " [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[44-summer] Worry threads [Summer]44-summer 's voice . [She]44-summer steps forward , but [the other man in [the room]319-the room , who [I]0-i recognize as [[her]44-summer husband]223-her husband]329-the other man in the room , who i recognize as her husband , places a hand on [her]44-summer shoulder . [I]0-i glance between [them]332-they . Guess [they]332-they 've worked out whatever issues [they]332-they may have had ? That 's good . [I]0-i am pleased for [Summer]44-summer . [She]44-summer deserves every happiness [she]44-summer can get after what [she]44-summer 's been through . And [me]0-i ? What about [me]0-i ? [I]0-i draw in a sharp breath . One step at a time . Do n't panic . This is no time to have a breakdown . [I]0-i straighten [my]0-i spine . " Everything will be fine now . "[0-i] As [I]0-i hear [my]0-i words , a strange calm grips [me]0-i . [I]0-i turn to [Saint]47-saint , " [I]0-i ’ve been looking for [you]47-saint . "[0-i] [He]47-saint smirks , " About time . "[47-saint] Funny [he]47-saint should say that . [I]0-i 've spent the time since [I]0-i last saw [him]47-saint researching [him]47-saint . Not that it had taken much effort to unearth [his]47-saint business success , or [his]47-saint weakness for [beautiful women]333-beautiful women . A little more digging had unearthed [his]47-saint inclination for the darker kind of pleasures . The hair on [my]0-i forearms rises . [He]47-saint does n't believe in hiding [his]47-saint tastes ; more likely [he]47-saint does n’t care who knows about it . Good . [I]0-i can use the knowledge to [my]0-i advantage . [I]0-i run [my]0-i clammy palm down [my]0-i dress ; then take a step forward . [He]47-saint watches [me]0-i approach . That strength of [his]47-saint presence beckons . Tension vibrates off of [him]47-saint . The potency of [his]47-saint personality slams into [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i gasp and [my]0-i guts twist . [My]0-i belly seems to fold in on itself ; [I]0-i sway . The ground comes up to meet [me]0-i , but [he]47-saint 's already there . " Hey . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint grips [my]0-i shoulders , straightens [me]0-i , " [You]0-i okay ? "[47-saint] " Help [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i gasp . [His]47-saint lips move . Is [he]47-saint speaking to [me]0-i ? [I]0-i frown , raise [my]0-i hand . [He]47-saint catches [my]0-i wrist . Those dark brows knit . A vein bulges at [his]47-saint temple . Is [he]47-saint angry ? Why is [he]47-saint angry ? [The world]212-the world tilts ; heat surrounds [me]0-i , envelops [me]0-i . The hard barrier of [his]47-saint chest digs into [my]0-i cheek . That 's when [I]0-i realize that [he]47-saint 's scooped [me]0-i up in [his]47-saint arms . What the — ? Had [I]0-i almost fainted ? Like [the heroine of a Victorian novel]335-the heroine of a victorian novel . Finally conforming to [my]0-i blasted name . [I]0-i snicker . " What 's so funny ? "[47-saint] [he]47-saint asks . [I]0-i glance up at the stubble on [his]47-saint chin . It 's only noon . Did [he]47-saint not shaved today ? Or is [he]47-saint one of [those men who prefers that fashionably unshaven look]336-those men who prefers that fashionably unshaven look ? " [You]47-saint sure [you]47-saint want to know ? "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . " [I]0-i want to find out everything about [you]47-saint . "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . Did [he]47-saint say that ? What does [he]47-saint mean ? [He]47-saint moves toward the door of [the room]319-the room . " [I]47-saint can walk , "[47-saint] [I]0-i protest . " Clearly not . "[0-i] [His]47-saint voice is hard . Anger ebbs and flows around [him]47-saint , encompassing [me]0-i in a thick fog of awareness that grates across [my]0-i nerves ; it swipes over [my]0-i breasts , down [my]0-i belly , headed for the obvious end goal that is [my]0-i quivering center . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i thighs together . [His]47-saint nostrils flare . Hell , [he]47-saint ca n't smell [my]0-i arousal , can [he]47-saint ? A chuckle rumbles up [his]47-saint chest . Bastard . All of this is amusing to [him]47-saint . [He]47-saint reaches the door , then pauses . " [I]47-saint am taking [my]47-saint business across to [[my]47-saint space]2114-my space . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint turns to survey [the other two]338-the other two , " [You]338-the other two guys cool with that ? "[47-saint] " [Saint]47-saint , "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer 's voice is resolute , " do n't hurt [her]2115-her . "[44-summer] [Saint]47-saint 's muscles tense , then [he]47-saint tilts [his]47-saint head , " [I]47-saint wo n't do anything that [Victoria]108-victoria does n't want [me]47-saint to do . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint glances down at [me]0-i , " [We]2116-we understand [each other]2117-each other , do n't [we]2116-we ? "[47-saint] The hell does [he]47-saint mean by that ? [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth to ask , but [he]47-saint 's already striding out and down [the corridor]339-the corridor . " [I]0-i am not [your]47-saint business , "[0-i] [I]0-i protest . [He]47-saint laughs , " So why are [you]0-i here ? "[47-saint] Well , hell . [He]47-saint has [me]0-i [there]220-there . [I]0-i am [the one who stumbled in and collapsed at [his]47-saint feet]341-the one who stumbled in and collapsed at his feet . Which had not been part of the script , by the way . What the hell happened to [me]0-i ? [I]0-i swear [I]0-i am not [a damsel in distress]342-a damsel in distress ... though that 's the part [I]0-i 've been told to assume . Lucky for [me]0-i then , that [my]0-i actions corroborate [my]0-i persona , huh ? [He]47-saint walks past [two offices]343-two offices , then shoulders open the door to [the last one]344-the last one . [He]47-saint steps into one similar in size to [the one [we]346-we left behind]345-the one we left behind . A bookcase lines one wall ; on the opposite wall is a massive painting of a question mark . A question mark ? The outline is filled in with shades of blue — jeweled , hypnotic . The more [I]0-i stare at it , the more [I]0-i am pulled into it . [My]0-i head swims and [my]0-i vision fills with spots . Shit . [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head to clear it , then drag [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . This has to be [[Saint]47-saint ’s office]347-saint ’s office . [I]0-i stiffen . Apparently , conforming to stereotypes of [the weaker sex]348-the weaker sex has its benefits . [I]0-i 'd found [my]0-i way into [[Saint]47-saint 's inner sanctum]349-saint 's inner sanctum . Can [I]0-i accomplish [my]0-i goal as quickly ? " Let [me]0-i go , "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . " That 's not what [you]47-saint were saying a few minutes ago . "[0-i] [His]47-saint shoulders heave . A chuckle rumbles up [his]47-saint chest . " [You]47-saint 're [an asshole]2118-an asshole , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . " So , [they]2119-they say . "[0-i] " And [a condescending prat]2120-a condescending prat . "[47-saint] " At [your]0-i service , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint drawls . And [I]0-i turned to [him]47-saint for help ? Not that [I]0-i had a choice ; but hell , if [I]0-i stay silent , [he]47-saint 'll walk all over [me]0-i . [He]47-saint 'll take [me]0-i for granted , use the force of [his]47-saint personality to subdue [me]0-i , no doubt about that . [Men such as [him]47-saint]350-men such as him are so used to getting what [they]350-men such as him want . [I]0-i 'd become another of [[his]47-saint conquests]351-his conquests . [He]47-saint is n't known as [the most eligible bachelor in [London]2-london]352-the most eligible bachelor in london for [his]47-saint good behavior , that ’s for sure . No , [I]0-i ca n't simply give in to [him]47-saint . [I]0-i have to intrigue [him]47-saint , hold [his]47-saint interest long enough to win [his]47-saint confidence , to get close to [him]47-saint so [I]0-i can get ahold of the information [I]0-i need so badly ; but damn , if [I]0-i am pandering to [his]47-saint already swollen ego for that . [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin . " Release [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i demand . [He]47-saint yawns , continues walking toward the far end of [the room]319-the room . What the hell ? [He]47-saint ignored [me]0-i ? [I]0-i begin to struggle in earnest , shove [my]0-i elbow in [his]47-saint groin . [He]47-saint huffs , glances down at [me]0-i and [his]47-saint gaze widens . Good . That 'll teach [him]47-saint to underestimate [me]0-i . " Let go of [me]0-i [you]47-saint prick , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . [His]47-saint biceps flex . The muscles of [his]47-saint forearms ripple against [my]0-i back . The next moment [I]0-i fall through the air .

5

[Saint

She]47-saint bounces on the couch , [her]354-her glorious dark hair falling about [her]354-her face . [She]354-her shakes it back , scrambles up . [I]0-i place [my]0-i hand on [her]354-her shoulder . [I]0-i should let [her]354-her know exactly what [I]0-i have in mind for [her]354-her . How [I]0-i plan to ensure it 's a long time before [I]0-i let [her]354-her go again . Oh , [I]0-i 've been receiving minute by minute reports of [her]354-her movements ; but nothing compares to having [her]354-her in [[my]0-i office]355-my office , on [my]0-i couch , under [me]0-i , as [I]0-i proceed to strip [her]354-her of every shred of dignity . As [I]0-i bring [her]354-her to the edge of orgasm and never let [her]354-her come . " So , [you]354-her obeyed [me]0-i , huh ? "[0-i] " What ? "[354-her] [She]354-her frowns . [I]0-i lean in and sniff [her]354-her neck . The sugar sweet scent of [her]354-her arousal , magnified , more complex than before , fills [my]0-i nostrils . " [Good girl]2094-good girl . "[0-i] [I]0-i grin down at [her]354-her . " [You]354-her have n't had an orgasm since [we]2122-we last met . "[0-i] [Her]354-her mouth opens and closes . " [You]0-i have a nerve . "[354-her] [She]354-her tries to sit up . [I]0-i apply enough pressure on [her]354-her shoulder so [she]354-her sinks back into the cushions . " Take [your]354-her hands off of [me]0-i . "[0-i] " No . "[354-her] [She]354-her blinks . " [You]0-i ca n't just ... just ... "[354-her] " Command [you]0-i ? "[0-i] " Stop [me]354-her , "[354-her] [she]354-her grinds out . " [I]354-her can . [I]354-her have . "[354-her] [I]0-i straighten and [she]354-her stays where [she]354-her is this time . Good . " Have [you]0-i eaten ? "[354-her] [She]354-her scowls . " [I]354-her 'll take that as a no . "[354-her] [I]0-i stalk over to the massive table that takes up almost the entire length of one side of [the room]319-the room . [I]0-i snatch up the phone . " [Meredith]56-meredith ? "[0-i] " [Saint]47-saint ? "[57-m] [M]57-m replies , " [She]56-meredith there with [you]0-i ? "[57-m] " Yeah , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . " Do [you]354-her know what [you]354-her 're doing ? "[0-i] " Do n't [you]354-her trust [me]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl . [Her]354-her voice softens , " Be careful , [Saint]47-saint . "[354-her] " Always . "[0-i] [I]0-i smile . " [I]0-i was going to ask for — "[0-i] " [I]354-her ordered [you]2123-you two a late lunch , "[354-her] [she]354-her interrupts [me]0-i . " [It]2124-it 's on its way . "[354-her] There 's a knock on the door . " [I]354-her think it 's [here]260-here already . What would [we]360-we do without [you]0-i ? "[354-her] [She]354-her chuckles . " [I]354-her 'm immune to [your]0-i charms , but [I]354-her 'll accept the compliment . "[354-her] [I]0-i drop the phone in the cradle , stalk to the door . [A girl]357-a girl stands there , carrying a tray of food . [Another intern]358-another intern ? How many of [them]359-them do [we]360-we employ [here]260-here ? [I]0-i scowl at [her]357-a girl and [she]357-a girl pales . [Her]357-a girl arms tremble . " Uh , may [I]357-a girl come in ? "[357-a girl] " No . "[357-a girl] [She]357-a girl gapes . [I]0-i take the tray of food from [her]357-a girl , then shut the door in [her]357-a girl face . " Treat [them]359-them that way and [no one]2059-no one will want to work for [you]0-i , "[108-victoria] [Victoria]108-victoria mutters . [I]0-i turn , march over to the couch . " Pay enough money and it 's surprising how much [they]359-them 'll put up with . "[0-i] [She]357-a girl swings [her]357-a girl legs over , places [her]357-a girl bag on the floor next to [her]357-a girl . " That [your]0-i personal philosophy ? "[357-a girl] " Sure . "[357-a girl] Whatever [she]357-a girl wants to believe . [I]0-i place the food on the coffee table next to the couch and whip off the covering . The tangy scent of soup fills the air . [Her]357-a girl stomach grumbles . [She]357-a girl glances from the food to [me]0-i . " It 's lentil and quinoa soup . "[0-i] [I]0-i add , " Vegetarian , as well as filled with complex carbs . "[0-i] [She]357-a girl frowns . [I]0-i pull up a chair and seat [myself]0-i opposite [her]357-a girl , then dip a spoon into the broth . [I]0-i bring it to [her]357-a girl lips , " Open . "[0-i] [Her]357-a girl pupils dilate . Is [she]357-a girl remembering the last time [I]0-i commanded [her]357-a girl to do so ? The blood rushes to [my]0-i groin . [She]357-a girl opens [her]357-a girl mouth and [I]0-i feed [her]357-a girl the soup . Watch as [she]357-a girl licks [her]357-a girl lips . [My]0-i pulse begins to thud . [I]0-i feed [her]357-a girl a few more spoonful 's . A drop clings to the edge of [her]357-a girl mouth . [I]0-i lean in , lick it off . [She]357-a girl draws in a sharp breath . " Tastes good , "[0-i] [I]0-i murmur . [She]357-a girl swallows . " The soup , [I]357-a girl mean . "[357-a girl] [She]357-a girl frowns . " What 's on [your]357-a girl mind ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . " How did [you]357-a girl find out that [I]357-a girl was vegetarian — ? "[357-a girl] [her]357-a girl words trail off . " Did [you]357-a girl have [me]357-a girl investigated ? "[357-a girl] " [You]357-a girl do n't think [I]357-a girl 'd let [you]357-a girl anywhere near [me]357-a girl without doing that , do [you]357-a girl ? "[357-a girl] [She]357-a girl pales . " [I]357-a girl 'm sure [you]357-a girl have nothing to be worried about . After all , [you]357-a girl are ordinary , hmm ? "[357-a girl] [Bastard]208-bastard , " [she]357-a girl bites out . "[208-bastard] Not to mention that [you]357-a girl tend towards hypoglycemia , " [I]357-a girl mutter [She]357-a girl gapes at [me]357-a girl . "[357-a girl] [You]357-a girl know that too ? " "[357-a girl] Is that why [you]357-a girl fainted ? " "[357-a girl] Almost fainted , " [she]357-a girl scowls . "[357-a girl] When did [you]357-a girl last eat ? [You]357-a girl need to keep [your]357-a girl blood sugar levels steady . " "[357-a girl] Why do [you]357-a girl care ? " [she]357-a girl huffs . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't . " [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders . "[0-i] But [I]0-i need [you]357-a girl strong enough to answer [my]0-i questions . " "[357-a girl] Is that why [you]357-a girl 're feeding [me]0-i ? " [Her]357-a girl chest heaves . "[357-a girl] [I]0-i am doing it because it amuses [me]0-i to see [you]357-a girl lap up all the attention . " A snarl escapes [her]357-a girl , then [she]357-a girl raises [her]357-a girl hand . "[357-a girl] [Your]357-a girl penchant for using [your]357-a girl palm .... " [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head , "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll remind [you]357-a girl of it , when [my]0-i handprint graces [your]357-a girl butt cheeks . " [She]357-a girl shudders , "[0-i] [You]357-a girl wo n't . " [She]357-a girl curls [her]357-a girl fingers into [her]357-a girl fist . [I]0-i sigh , "[0-i] Do n't make this worse on [yourself]357-a girl . " [She]357-a girl hesitates , then lowers [her]357-a girl hand into [her]357-a girl lap . "[357-a girl] [Good girl]2094-good girl . " [She]357-a girl flushes , then parts [her]357-a girl lips for the next spoonful , and the sight of [her]357-a girl tongue ... That hunger in [her]357-a girl eyes , fuck . [I]2094-good girl press [my]2094-good girl thumb into [her]357-a girl mouth . [She]357-a girl sucks on it , and fuck , if [I]2094-good girl do n't feel the tug all the way to the tip of [my]2094-good girl cock . [She]357-a girl lets go of [my]2094-good girl digit , then smacks [her]357-a girl lips together , "[2094-good girl] Tastes good . " [She]357-a girl raises [her]357-a girl chin . "[2094-good girl] [You]2094-good girl upped the ante . " [I]2094-good girl allow [my]2094-good girl lips to curve . "[2094-good girl] [You]2094-good girl did n't think [I]0-i 'd simply allow [you]2094-good girl to take [me]0-i for granted ? " "[2094-good girl] Trust [me]0-i , " [I]0-i scoop up more of the soup , hold it out to [her]357-a girl . "[0-i] [I]0-i much prefer a fight . " [I]0-i tip the spoon , the soup drips into the ' V ' of [her]357-a girl neckline . "[0-i] What the hell — ? " [She]357-a girl cries out , glances down at [herself]357-a girl . "[0-i] Did [you]0-i just try to burn [me]0-i ? " "[0-i] If [you]2094-good girl ca n't stand the heat , then get out . " [I]0-i glare at [her]357-a girl . [She]357-a girl pales . "[0-i] Well ? " [I]0-i replace the spoon in the bowl of soup . "[0-i] What 's it going to be ? " [She]357-a girl glances from [me]0-i to the door , then back at [me]0-i , "[0-i] What if [I]0-i leave ? " [My]2094-good girl heart begins to race and sweat beads [my]2094-good girl palms . [I]2094-good girl wipe [my]2094-good girl fingers on the starched white napkin , put it aside . "[2094-good girl] [You]2094-good girl wo n't . " [Her]357-a girl mouth opens and closes . [She]357-a girl splutters , "[2094-good girl] Why [you]0-i presumptuous , cocky — " "[2094-good girl] Are [you]2094-good girl ? " [I]2094-good girl frown . "[2094-good girl] Leaving ? " [She]357-a girl purses [her]357-a girl lips , twists [her]357-a girl fingers together . "[2094-good girl] Want [me]0-i to take the choice out of [your]0-i hands ? " [She]357-a girl does n't reply , peers into [my]0-i face , then rubs [her]357-a girl thighs together . [My]0-i groin tightens . [My]0-i muscles harden . [I]0-i lean over , lick the trickle of broth that [I]0-i spilled on [her]357-a girl neck . [She]357-a girl freezes . [I]0-i follow the trail down to the valley between [her]357-a girl breasts . [She]357-a girl shudders . "[0-i] Oh , my god , " [she]357-a girl whispers . "[0-i] Want [me]0-i to touch [you]0-i ? " "[0-i] What ? No . " [She]357-a girl straightens , "[0-i] Of course , not . " [I]0-i rise to [my]0-i feet , pivot and head for the door . "[0-i] Wait , " [she]357-a girl calls out . [I]0-i wipe the smile off of [my]0-i face , turn . [She]357-a girl looks at [me]0-i , then away . [I]0-i tap the toe of [my]0-i boot against the floor . "[0-i] [You]0-i 're going to make [me]0-i say it , are n't [you]0-i ? " [she]357-a girl says bitterly . [I]0-i pull back [my]0-i cuff , check the time on [my]0-i watch . "[0-i] [My]0-i next appointment 's waiting . " "[0-i] Fine . " [She]357-a girl hunches [her]357-a girl shoulders . "[0-i] Fine what ? " "[0-i] Fine , [I]0-i want [you]0-i to touch [me]0-i . " [I]0-i cross the distance between [us]2127-us , fit [my]0-i knuckles under [her]357-a girl chin . [She]357-a girl glances up at [me]0-i , [her]357-a girl green eyes shining with that inner turmoil [I]0-i 'm beginning to recognize . "[0-i] Not so hard now , is it ? " "[0-i] This is not why [I]0-i came , " [she]357-a girl whispers . "[0-i] Shh ! " [I]0-i press [my]0-i thumb to [her]357-a girl lips . [She]357-a girl gulps , opens [her]357-a girl mouth again , and [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . [She]357-a girl subsides . All of the confusion and all of the emotions [she]357-a girl 's feeling are reflected in [her]357-a girl eyes . So fucking vulnerable , [this woman]299-this woman , yet so sassy . "[0-i] [You]0-i 're not as innocent as [you]0-i seem , " [I]0-i say . [Her]357-a girl gaze widens . "[0-i] But that 's okay . " [I]0-i frame [her]357-a girl face with [my]0-i hands . "[0-i] [I]0-i am going to enjoy unravelling [your]0-i hidden agenda . " [She]357-a girl sits up straighter . "[0-i] Takes one to know one . " "[0-i] Do n't make the mistake of thinking [you]0-i know [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi . " "[0-i] Do n't flatter [yourself]53-gigi , " [she]357-a girl mutters . "[53-gigi] [You]53-gigi 're not so special . Just [another spoiled billionaire a - hole , who thinks [he]364-another spoiled billionaire a - hole , who thinks he can use his power and influence to get anything he wants can use [his]364-another spoiled billionaire a - hole , who thinks he can use his power and influence to get anything he wants power and influence to get anything [he]364-another spoiled billionaire a - hole , who thinks he can use his power and influence to get anything he wants wants]364-another spoiled billionaire a - hole , who thinks he can use his power and influence to get anything he wants . " "[58-gazillionaire] [Gazillionaire]58-gazillionaire . " [I]58-gazillionaire grin , then slip [my]58-gazillionaire palm under the heavy curtain of [her]357-a girl hair . "[58-gazillionaire] And [you]0-i 're sitting here , are n't [you]0-i ? " Color flares on [her]357-a girl cheeks . [She]357-a girl tries to rise , but [I]53-gigi wrap [my]53-gigi fingers around [her]357-a girl nape and hold [her]357-a girl down . [Her]357-a girl shoulders jerk and the pulse at [her]357-a girl neck flutters . "[53-gigi] Poor , [Gigi]53-gigi . So confused . So out of [your]53-gigi league . " "[53-gigi] [I]0-i 'm more than a match for [you]53-gigi , [rich prick]365-rich prick . " [She]357-a girl bares [her]357-a girl teeth . A shudder works its way down [my]365-rich prick spine . [My]365-rich prick balls throb . [I]365-rich prick haul [her]357-a girl up by the scruff of [her]357-a girl neck . [She]357-a girl gasps and [her]357-a girl breasts push up , the nipples beaded against the black cloth of [her]357-a girl dress . "[365-rich prick] Fucking hate that color , " [I]53-gigi grumble . [I]53-gigi lower [my]53-gigi head until [I]53-gigi can make out the little creases between [her]357-a girl eyebrows , the flecks of gold in those green irises beckoning [me]53-gigi . Calling [me]53-gigi . [I]53-gigi rake [my]53-gigi gaze down to [her]357-a girl mouth . [Her]357-a girl lips part . [She]357-a girl flutters those thick eyelashes down . "[53-gigi] Please , " the whine bleeds from [her]357-a girl lips . "[53-gigi] What do [you]366-i need ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i ... [I]0-i do n't know , " [she]357-a girl murmurs . "[366-i] [You]366-i do . " [I]366-i draw in a breath and [her]357-a girl scent grows straight to [my]366-i head . A hot sensation stabs in [my]366-i chest . Fucking fuck . [This woman]299-this woman , [she]357-a girl is too potent . [Weston]62-weston was right , [I]366-i am way too deep into this game already . [I]366-i release [her]357-a girl so suddenly , [her]357-a girl rear hits the couch with a thump . Turning , [I]366-i stride to the door . "[366-i] [You]366-i 're a real piece of work [you]366-i know that ? " [she]357-a girl yells after [me]366-i . [I]366-i raise [my]366-i hand in the air . "[366-i] Rest up , [Gigi]53-gigi . [You]53-gigi have until [I]0-i finish this next appointment to figure out why [you]53-gigi came . After that , the choice is out of [your]53-gigi hands . "[108-victoria]

6

[I]0-i am often mistaken for being true . What am [I]0-i ? Answer : A lie

[Victoria]108-victoria

" Help [me]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i snap [my]0-i eyes open , jackknife up , heart racing , pulse pounding . [I]0-i try to swallow and [my]0-i throat hurts . Sweat slicks [my]0-i palms , slides down [my]0-i back . The blood thuds at [my]0-i temples and [my]0-i stomach twists . After [Adam]43-adam 's untimely death , [I]0-i 'd received another call . This time with instructions that [I]0-i had to get close to [Saint]47-saint , and get hold of the evidence [he]47-saint has on [the Mafia]314-the mafia . [The man on the phone]368-the man on the phone had also played [me]0-i a recording of [Nina]52-nina 's voice crying for help . Then [he]47-saint 'd warned [me]0-i not to breathe a word about this to [anyone else]369-anyone else , before hanging up . [I]0-i drag [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . [I]0-i 've barely slept a wink the last few nights , nervous about this encounter with [Saint]47-saint . Clearly , [[my]0-i subconscious]370-my subconscious associates [that asshole with security]371-that asshole with security . Enough that , for the first time in weeks , [I]0-i 'd fallen into a deep sleep in the middle of the day . On [his]47-saint couch , in [[his]47-saint office]372-his office , no less . A sound reaches [me]0-i through the door . [I]0-i stiffen , swing [my]0-i legs over and a jacket falls to the floor . Huh ? It 's light gray in color , different from the one [he]47-saint had loaned [me]0-i . [He]47-saint had n't been kidding when [he]47-saint 'd said that [he]47-saint hates the color black on [me]0-i . Had [he]47-saint come in while [I]0-i slept and decided not to wake [me]0-i up ? Had [he]47-saint watched [me]0-i sleep , and covered [me]0-i with the jacket ? [I]0-i blink . At least [I]0-i had n't drooled . Small mercies . [I]0-i pick up the jacket , then bury [my]0-i nose in the luxurious fabric . The scent of [him]47-saint laces [my]0-i nostrils — masculine , complex , layers upon layers that sink into [my]0-i skin . [My]0-i cheeks flush . [My]0-i thighs clench . Ridiculous . [I]0-i ca n’t have such a reaction to [his]47-saint scent . [I]0-i drop the jacket on the couch , then spring up to [my]0-i feet , and walk toward the desk . Starlight streams in from the windows . Huh ? It had been late afternoon when [I]0-i 'd arrived . How long did [I]0-i sleep ? [I]0-i glance at the sleek wall clock on the far side of [the room]319-the room . What the — ? It 's late — almost 9 pm . Why did [he]47-saint let [me]0-i sleep away the evening ? [I]0-i sink into the massive leather chair ; the scent of [him]47-saint deepens . [My]0-i belly flutters . [My]0-i throat dries . Why the hell am [I]0-i having such a strong reaction to the presence — ? No . [My]0-i lips twist . Technically , that would be [his]47-saint absence — of [this man [I]0-i barely know]374-this man i barely know . [I]0-i touch the pad of the laptop in front of [me]0-i and the screen lights up . It 's fingerprint locked . [I]0-i 'd checked it as soon as [Saint]47-saint had left , of course . It would n’t have been that easy , right ? [I]0-i have to get into [his]47-saint files to get what [I]0-i need , which means — [my]0-i shoulders slump — [I]0-i have to get close to [him]47-saint . No choice . [I]0-i glance at the desk , spot the riding crop on it . " What the — ? "[0-i] Who keeps a riding crop on [his]47-saint work desk , in [[his]47-saint office]372-his office ? [Saint]47-saint does ; that 's who . [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head , reach for the top drawer . It 's locked . Well hell , of course it could n't be that simple . [I]0-i open the drawer below ; there 's stationery , pens , excel sheets printed with rows of numbers . [I]0-i wrench open the drawer at the bottom ... [my]0-i breath catches . A gun ? Huh ? [He]47-saint keeps a gun ? Another noise reaches [me]0-i through the door . Shit . Where the hell is [Saint]47-saint ? [I]0-i snatch up the revolver . The weight is reassuring . Two months ago [I]0-i 'd never seen a gun in [my]0-i life . Now ? Well , [I]0-i 'll take every break [I]0-i get . The one thing [my]0-i experience has taught [me]0-i is never to be taken by surprise . [I]0-i shut the drawer , then walk across the floor . Opening the door , [I]0-i step into [a corridor]376-a corridor . Strain [my]0-i ears … Nothing . Scratch that ... Is that a sound from down [the hall]377-the hall ? [I]0-i glance down [the passageway]378-the passageway , then the other way . Right . [I]0-i march down [the hallway]379-the hallway to the set of double doors , and fling them open . Pale blue eyes cut into [me]0-i ; [his]47-saint eyebrows slash down . [I]0-i take in the breadth of [his]47-saint shoulders ensconced in the same white dress shirt [he]47-saint had on earlier . Only now , the front is unbuttoned and pulled apart to reveal [his]47-saint cut torso . Black hair clings to the eight pack abs that ripple and flow down to meet the waistband of [his]47-saint pants … [His]47-saint unzipped pants where [a woman]297-a woman bobs [her]297-a woman head . So , this was [his]47-saint very important appointment ? [She]297-a woman grips [his]47-saint powerful pant - clad thighs , which buck and flex under [her]297-a woman touch . [He]47-saint parts [his]47-saint legs , then clasps the back of [her]297-a woman head . The veins on [his]47-saint muscled forearm flex . A moan bleeds through the air and [I]0-i ’m instantly wet . [My]0-i mouth waters . [My]0-i scalp tingles . Omigod , why is that the most intensely erotic thing [I]0-i have ever seen ? [I]0-i seriously ca n’t be thinking that now . Get out of here , get out . [My]0-i feet seem stuck to the ground , [my]0-i legs too heavy to carry [me]0-i out of there . [I]0-i watch , riveted , as [he]47-saint brings up [his]47-saint other hand , the veins on [his]47-saint forearms popping . [His]47-saint shirt sleeves are rolled up to [his]47-saint elbows ; [his]47-saint biceps bulge as [he]47-saint swipes a finger across [his]47-saint lower lip . " [You]0-i want to share it when [you]0-i have it , but when [you]0-i want it [you]0-i do n't have it . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint rumbles , " What is it ? "[47-saint] [His]47-saint tone rams through the jumbled quagmire of [my]0-i mind , pulling [me]0-i in , drowning [me]0-i down , insisting that [I]0-i focus [my]0-i attention on that beautiful visage . [His]47-saint lips curl . [He]47-saint is laughing at [me]0-i . [He]47-saint knows exactly the picture [he]47-saint presents . So damn arrogant . So confident . Did [he]47-saint orchestrate this entire tableau for [my]0-i benefit ? Nah , why should [he]47-saint ? Bet [he]47-saint has a mile - long queue of women outside the door ready to suck [his]47-saint every appendage . [I]0-i chuckle . [His]47-saint glare intensifies . " [You]0-i have one second to answer . "[47-saint] " [I]0-i[I]0-i do n’t know . "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " A secret , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint drawls . " That 's the answer . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint eyelids grow hooded . " What secrets are [you]47-saint hiding from [me]47-saint , [I]47-saint wonder ? "[47-saint] " None . "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " [Everyone]2130-everyone has secrets . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint chuckles . " Even [you]0-i ? "[47-saint] " Especially [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint grin widens . The wet sound of flesh hitting flesh fills [the room]319-the room . [I]0-i drop [my]0-i gaze to where [the woman]2107-the woman kneels between [his]47-saint thighs . [His]47-saint forearms flex , [he]47-saint spreads [his]47-saint legs , yanks [her]2107-the woman head closer , then begins to use [her]2107-the woman mouth in earnest . Back - forth - back ; [her]2107-the woman entire body shakes . A gagging noise splits the rhythmic effect . [My]0-i head spins . [My]0-i core clenches and [I]0-i chafe [my]0-i thighs wanting … Needing more . So much more . [His]47-saint chest seems to expand further and further ; [his]47-saint shoulders swell . [His]47-saint pale blue eyes glow with a strange inner light . [He]47-saint lowers [his]47-saint chin , raises an eyebrow , and a snarl rips up [my]0-i throat . A heavy sensation stabs in [my]0-i chest ; [my]0-i vision tunnels . [I]0-i am not jealous . [I]0-i am not . [I]0-i do n’t want [him]47-saint that way . Besides [he]47-saint had … left [me]0-i there on the couch , while [he]47-saint ’d indulged [himself]47-saint ? What [a complete jerk]383-a complete jerk . [My]0-i heart begins to race ; adrenaline laces [my]0-i blood . [I]0-i raise the gun , aim it at [Saint]47-saint . [He]47-saint stares back . [His]47-saint shoulders stiffens . [The woman between [his]47-saint legs]384-the woman between his legs glances around . [I]0-i level the gun at [her]384-the woman between his legs . [She]384-the woman between his legs pales . [I]0-i wiggle the gun and [she]384-the woman between his legs rises to [her]384-the woman between his legs feet , only to glance at [him]47-saint . What the — ? [I]0-i have a weapon trained on [her]384-the woman between his legs and [she]384-the woman between his legs looks to [him]47-saint as if seeking permission ? [Saint]47-saint ’s lips firm . " Leave . "[47-saint] [My]0-i toes curl , [my]0-i scalp prickles … and the hair on [my]0-i forearms rises . [Jesus]59-jesus , [no man]385-no man should have a voice like that . [My]0-i arm shakes . [The woman]2107-the woman passes [me]0-i , then bolts . Silence descends . A beat , another . [I]0-i hold [Saint]47-saint ’s gaze , tip up [my]0-i chin . [Two]387-two can play this game . [I]0-i will not be intimidated . Will not be coerced into breaking the silence . [I]0-i stare down the barrel of [my]0-i pistol , at the rat ’s ass of [a man in [my]0-i cross hairs]388-a man in my cross hairs . [He]47-saint relaxes into the chair . The soft material of [his]47-saint pants outlines the contours of [his]47-saint powerful thighs . Do n't look there , do n't . [I]0-i glance at [his]47-saint crotch , which is unzipped . [His]47-saint dick arrows up . Is it thicker than what [I]0-i remember it to be ? Nah , that must be [my]0-i imagination , surely — " [My]47-saint face is up here , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint drawls . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin up . [His]47-saint lips curl in a smirk , and moisture instantly pools at [my]0-i core . Damn [the man]207-the man , [he]207-the man knows the effect [he]207-the man has on [me]0-i . So what ? [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i grip on the gun . [I]0-i hold the weapon . So why does it feel like the one between [his]47-saint legs is more lethal ? Jesus , cliché much ? " [You]0-i do need to up [your]0-i game , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint tilts [his]47-saint head . Anger squeezes [my]0-i chest . [He]47-saint is toying with [me]0-i . [Asshole]60-asshole is having fun at [my]0-i expense . [I]0-i ’ll teach [him]47-saint what it means to sit on [that lofty , privileged perch of [his]47-saint]390-that lofty , privileged perch of his and sneer down [his]47-saint nose at [those who have to fight for every bit of help , for every shred of kindness]391-those who have to fight for every bit of help , for every shred of kindness , for every soft word , tender touch … every gaze filled with love , tears , blood … " Shut up . "[0-i] [My]0-i voice emerges — harsh , guttural . Nothing like the sophisticate [I]0-i am trying to portray . [I]0-i draw in a deep breath . [My]0-i hand trembles . Walk away , right now , while [you]47-saint can . [I]0-i ca n’t . [I]0-i wo n’t . [I]0-i have to face [him]47-saint down . [I]0-i have to find a way to ensure that [I]0-i come out of this with some small shred of [my]0-i dignity intact . [He]47-saint grips [his]47-saint gorgeous shaft , swipes it from root to tip . [My]0-i throat dries . Heat flushes [my]0-i skin and sweat beads [my]0-i palm . " Stop that , "[0-i] [I]0-i croak . " Do n’t tell [me]47-saint what to do . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint command lashes across [my]0-i skin . [My]0-i fingers slip . The stuffing from the chair next to [his]47-saint head explodes , but [he]47-saint 's already moving . [I]0-i hear the thud of [his]47-saint boots on the carpet , see a blur of movement , then the gun is knocked from [my]0-i hand . [I]0-i hit the ground , face down . [His]47-saint heavy weight presses into [me]0-i . [His]47-saint hardness stabs into the curve of [my]0-i waist . Those solid thighs grip [mine]0-i on either side . [I]0-i am surrounded by [him]47-saint . Heat from [his]47-saint massive body slams into [me]0-i , pins [me]0-i down . Moisture dribbles out between [my]0-i legs . [I]0-i strain and [he]47-saint places [his]47-saint cheek next to [mine]0-i , [his]47-saint breath raising the hair on [my]0-i forehead . " [You]0-i have [my]47-saint attention , [little Gigi]53-gigi . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint licks the shell of [my]0-i ear . Goosebumps pop on [my]0-i skin . [My]0-i vision narrows ; [my]0-i toes curl . " [I]0-i want more than that . "[0-i] [I]0-i shiver . There ’s a pause , then [his]47-saint chest vibrates . " What ? "[47-saint] [he]47-saint growls . " Take [me]47-saint as [your]0-i sub . "[47-saint]

7

[I]0-i am given with pleasure when taken by force . What am [I]0-i ? Answer : A kiss

[Saint]47-saint

" Do [you]392-her have any idea what [you]392-her 're asking for ? "[0-i] [I]0-i push back and flip [her]392-her on [her]392-her back . [Her]392-her green eyes deepen in color , glittering emeralds that cut through [me]0-i , hurt [me]0-i , scoop up every last drop of humanity left in [me]0-i and render [me]0-i incoherent . " Well ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glare at [her]392-her . " Y ... yes . "[392-her] [she]392-her stutters . [I]0-i rise to [my]0-i feet and [she]392-her pales . " On [your]392-her knees , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]392-her hesitates . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i voice to a hush , " Now . "[0-i] [Her]392-her shoulders stiffen , then [she]392-her pushes up to kneel at [my]0-i feet . It puts [her]392-her face at eyelevel with [my]0-i crotch . [My]0-i groin hardens . [I]0-i reach down , grab [my]0-i cock . [Her]392-her breath hitches . [She]392-her drops [her]392-her gaze , watches as [I]0-i massage [my]0-i dick . [She]392-her licks [her]392-her lips and [my]0-i muscles go solid . [My]0-i shaft lengthens . Ah hell , had n’t meant for things to get out of hand so quickly … literally . [I]0-i widen [my]0-i stance to accommodate [my]0-i arousal and [she]392-her makes a sound deep in [her]392-her throat . " That 's not for [you]392-her . "[392-her] [I]0-i smirk . " Yet . "[392-her] " What ? "[392-her] [She]392-her peers up at [me]0-i from under sooty eyelashes . " [You]0-i 'll have to earn it first . "[392-her] [I]0-i allow [my]0-i smile to widen . [Her]392-her eyebrows draw down , [she]392-her flicks out [her]392-her tongue to touch [her]392-her lower lip , and [my]0-i cock instantly twitches . Hell . This response to [her]392-her is interesting . Not what [I]0-i expected . Best to put [her]392-her in [her]392-her place right away . [I]0-i tuck [myself]0-i in , then stalk forward to retrieve [my]0-i gun . " What are [you]392-her doing ? "[392-her] [Her]392-her squeak fills the space . [My]0-i lips twitch . [I]0-i straighten , turn to [her]392-her . [Her]392-her cheeks pale . " St … stop . Do n't come closer . "[0-i] " Why not ? "[392-her] " This … this is n’t what [I]392-her want . "[392-her] Fear vibrates off of [her]392-her , bleeds into the space between [us]393-us[My]0-i dick instantly lengthens . Do [you]394-you blame [me]0-i ? [She]392-her ’d hit upon [my]0-i weakness , then proceeded to lay [her]392-her insecurities bare to [me]0-i … Well , of course , [I]0-i am going to take advantage . " Let [me]0-i be the judge of that . "[0-i] [I]0-i stride forward . [She]392-her jerks [her]392-her chin up , " Do n’t come closer . "[392-her] " That ’s not what [you]0-i said earlier . "[392-her] " [I]392-her[I]392-her did n’t think — "[392-her] " What — ? "[0-i] [I]0-i pause in front of [her]392-her . " That [I]0-i ’d call [your]392-her bluff ? "[0-i] [Her]392-her chin wobbles , " Are [you]0-i . Will [you]0-i ... ? "[0-i] [I]0-i lean forward . [Her]392-her shoulders rise and [her]392-her throat moves as [she]392-her swallows . " Rule number one , never question [me]392-her . "[392-her] " And if [I]0-i do ... ? "[0-i] The next second , [I]0-i press the gun to [her]392-her temple . [Her]392-her gaze narrows as [her]392-her eyes blaze . Bloody hell , [she]392-her has some strength , [this woman]299-this woman . [She]392-her raises [her]392-her chin , and damn , if [my]0-i dick does n’t follow suit . [I]0-i do n’t need to look down to know that [my]0-i cock ’s saluting [her]392-her impudence . " So , tell [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi , why is it that [you]53-gigi sought [me]0-i out ? "[0-i] " [I]392-her told [you]53-gigi it was to — "[392-her] " Ask [me]392-her to be [[your]53-gigi Dom]2131-your dom ? "[392-her] [She]392-her nods . " [You]53-gigi think [I]392-her believe that ? "[392-her] " Why else would [I]392-her be [here]260-here ? "[392-her] [Her]392-her gaze narrows , " It is n’t for [your]0-i politeness or consideration , clearly . "[392-her] [My]0-i lips twitch before [I]0-i wipe the smile from [my]0-i face . [I]0-i grip [her]392-her hair and tug so [her]392-her head falls back , " Tell [me]0-i the truth . "[0-i] " Could n't it be because [I]0-i saw [the man behind the asshole]2133-the man behind the asshole face [you]0-i show [the world]212-the world ? Perhaps [I]0-i want to get to know [you]392-her better ? "[0-i] " Do [you]0-i ? "[392-her] [Her]392-her gaze skitters away . A hot sensation coils in [my]0-i stomach , " Thought not . "[0-i] [I]0-i wrap [my]0-i fingers around [her]392-her neck and [her]392-her gaze widens . " Perhaps [I]0-i should take [you]392-her at face value , after all . "[0-i] " What do [you]0-i mean — ? "[0-i] " Shh ! "[0-i] [I]0-i draw the barrel of the gun over [her]392-her lips and [her]392-her face pales . Fear radiates from [her]392-her . [My]0-i pulse begins to race . Finally . " Let ’s see what [you]392-her ’re made of , shall [we]2135-we ? "[0-i] [I]0-i yank [her]392-her up to [her]392-her tiptoes , until [she]392-her ’s level with [my]0-i chest . " Such a tiny little thing , [you]392-her are . Not a hair out of place , even after spending hours on the couch in [[my]0-i office]355-my office . What would it take to mess [you]392-her up , huh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i drag the barrel of the gun down [her]392-her cheek — [She]392-her swallows — past that lush lower lip , to the hollow at the base of [her]392-her throat . Goosebumps pop on [her]392-her skin . " Not that courageous now , are [you]0-i ? "[392-her] [She]392-her swallows , then tips up [her]392-her chin and opens [her]392-her mouth . [I]0-i click [my]0-i tongue . [Her]392-her gaze narrows , [her]392-her eyes sparking with that familiar light of defiance . Oh , good . Now [we]396-we ’re getting somewhere . [I]0-i drag the pistol down , hook the barrel into the dip of [her]392-her neckline . [She]392-her stills , the only movement , [her]392-her chest rising and falling . [Her]392-her nipples pebble against the fabric of [her]392-her blouse . [My]0-i vision narrows and [I]0-i draw the gun over the nipple . [She]392-her shudders . [My]0-i shaft lengthens . " [You]0-i enjoy that , hmm ? "[392-her] [She]392-her shakes [her]392-her head . [I]0-i glare at [her]392-her , " Do n’t lie . "[392-her] " [I]392-her ’m not . "[392-her] " Admit it . [You]0-i are aroused . ’ "[392-her] No . " [She]392-her sets [her]392-her lips . "[392-her] [We]396-we 'll see about that , shall [we]396-we ? " [I]396-we toss the gun to one side , then pull [her]392-her forward . [She]392-her falls into [me]396-we , "[396-we] What the hell ? [You]0-i tossed a loaded gun , [you]0-i" "[0-i] Relax , [I]0-i clicked the safety on . " [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i fingers around [her]392-her nape , [my]0-i fingers meeting in the front , that ’s how slender the length of [her]392-her neck is . "[0-i] The only gun [you]392-her need to be worried about is the one in [my]0-i pants . " [She]392-her makes a gagging noise . "[0-i] Ugh , that was terrible , even for [you]0-i . " "[0-i] And if [you]0-i want to gag , there are other ways to bring that on too . " "[0-i] Keep [your]0-i cheap shots to [yourself]0-i . " [She]392-her huffs , "[0-i] Why do [you]0-i keep a gun anyway , and in an unlocked drawer ? " "[0-i] Why were [you]0-i snooping in [[my]0-i office]355-my office ? " [I]0-i retort . "[0-i] [I]0-i ... " [She]392-her swallows , "[0-i] [You]0-i left [me]0-i on [my]0-i own in [[your]0-i space]398-your space . " [She]392-her raises [her]392-her shoulder . "[0-i] It was fair game . " "[0-i] Hmm . " [I]0-i lean into [her]392-her , "[0-i] And [you]0-i ... [little Gigi]53-gigi , are in [[my]0-i space]2114-my space . Does that make [you]0-i fair game too ? " [I]53-gigi tighten [my]53-gigi grasp on [her]392-her , and [she]392-her trembles . [Her]392-her thighs quake . Pressing [her]392-her against [me]53-gigi , [I]53-gigi sense [her]392-her every move , every breath [she]392-her takes , the trembling of [her]392-her eyelids . [Her]392-her lips part , [her]392-her hips wriggle , and damn it , but [I]53-gigi ca n’t stop [myself]53-gigi . [I]53-gigi lower [my]53-gigi head , close [my]53-gigi mouth over [hers]392-her . [I]53-gigi suck on [her]392-her tongue , bite down on [her]392-her lower lip , shove [my]53-gigi free hand under [her]392-her skirt , finding that melting core between [her]392-her legs . [I]53-gigi slide [my]53-gigi fingers in between [her]392-her panties and skin , drag [my]53-gigi knuckles across [her]392-her clit . A whine bubbles up [her]392-her throat ; [I]53-gigi swallow it . [I]53-gigi thrust a finger inside [her]392-her core , and hell … The melting softness is [my]53-gigi undoing . [I]53-gigi add a second finger , then another . [Her]392-her spine curves and [her]392-her neck arches . [I]53-gigi hook [my]53-gigi fingers inside of [her]392-her , finding that hidden center of [hers]392-her . [Her]392-her entire body bucks . [I]53-gigi tear [my]53-gigi mouth from [hers]392-her , "[53-gigi] Do n’t [you]400-you dare come , [Gigi]53-gigi . " [She]392-her shudders , thrusts [her]392-her pelvis forward . [I]53-gigi release [my]53-gigi grip around [her]392-her neck , yank [my]53-gigi fingers from [her]392-her pussy . [I]53-gigi step back and [her]392-her legs give way . [I]53-gigi catch [her]392-her , push [her]392-her into the door and pin [her]392-her hips with [mine]53-gigi . A pulse beats to life against [my]53-gigi temples , on the backs of [my]53-gigi eyelids , even in [my]53-gigi balls . Jesus . Hell . This is n’t how it ’s supposed to be . [I]53-gigi am supposed to get [[my]53-gigi women]2137-my women off , reduce [them]2137-my women to globs of liquid need , make [them]2137-my women crawl to [me]53-gigi for release … And while [I]53-gigi ’d done all that to [her]392-her[I]53-gigi ’d never before been this aroused ... This need to bury [myself]53-gigi inside of [her]392-her , scratch [my]53-gigi name into [her]392-her cells , [her]392-her skin , tear into [her]392-her and show [her]392-her how it can be between [us]2138-us ? No . No way , am [I]53-gigi doing that . [I]53-gigi release [her]392-her and [she]392-her sags against the barrier . Back the fuck off , before [she]392-her pulls [you]2139-you in with those beautiful eyes , that gorgeous visage , the innocence about [her]392-her which is … all a façade . A trap . One way to ensure that [I]53-gigi forget what this entire charade is about — to get to the bottom of whoever set [her]392-her up to lure [me]53-gigi in . If [she]392-her thinks it is that easy to veer [me]53-gigi off course , to distract [me]53-gigi from the one thing that has kept [me]53-gigi and the Seven focused all these years , then [she]392-her has another think coming . "[53-gigi] In which sport do [winners]401-winners move backward and [losers]402-losers move forward ? " [I]53-gigi let the words hang in the air between [us]2138-us . [She]392-her blinks , then asks , "[53-gigi] Which … which one ? " "[53-gigi] A fucking tug of war is what . " [I]53-gigi chuckle . Bloody hell . Why had [I]53-gigi allowed those words to escape [my]53-gigi lips ? Why the hell am [I]53-gigi showing [her]392-her a glimmer of [my]53-gigi vulnerability ? [She]392-her makes [me]53-gigi weak , is why . No way , am [I]53-gigi allowing that to happen again . Not when [I]53-gigi have a hell of a lot more at stake than some piece of pussy which does n’t mean anything to [me]53-gigi . But [she]392-her is n’t just another anything … [She]392-her is … [Gigi]53-gigi . An enigma , a puzzle . A riddle [I]53-gigi am going to solve , even if it means hurting [myself]53-gigi in the process . [I]53-gigi turn , snatch up [my]53-gigi gun and shove it into [my]53-gigi waistband . "[53-gigi] Wait . " [I]53-gigi shrug on [my]53-gigi shirt , turn to [her]392-her . [She]392-her swallows . "[53-gigi] What about … ? " [Her]392-her voice trails off . "[53-gigi] About ? " [I]0-i growl . "[0-i] [My]0-i proposition . " "[0-i] Let [me]0-i think . " [I]0-i drum [my]0-i fingers on [my]0-i chest , peruse [her]392-her from head to toe . [Her]392-her cheeks flush . [Her]392-her eyes glitter with that inner fight . Damn , but [she]392-her has a hidden depth , a fierce perseverance that is both endearing and … Endearing ? The hell ? Since when have emotions ever featured in any relationship , huh ? [I]0-i take , [I]0-i allow [a select few]2140-a select few to make [me]0-i come … then walk away . That is it . No relationships . No entanglements . Nothing that can touch the part of [me]0-i that [I]0-i keep hidden away . Nothing to tempt [me]0-i to cross the line that is forever etched in [my]0-i memory … Until [her]392-her . [I]0-i crack [my]0-i neck , yawn , then shake [my]0-i head , "[0-i] No . " "[0-i] What ? " [She]392-her gapes . "[0-i] One touch and [you]403-you were ready to throw [yourself]403-you at [my]0-i feet , bare [yourself]403-you to [me]0-i , and all but ask [me]0-i to take [you]403-you right there . [I]0-i prefer … " [I]0-i pretend to think , "[0-i] ... a bit more spirit , a bit more spine , a bit more oomph . Not to mention … " [I]0-i glance at [her]392-her gorgeous breasts , [her]392-her curvy hips , [her]392-her delicate ankles . If [I]0-i touch [her]392-her again , [I]0-i am [a goner]2141-a goner . If [I]0-i look into [her]392-her eyes , [I]0-i ’ll never find [myself]0-i again . No , this is the right thing to do . [I]0-i have to walk away from [her]392-her . "[0-i] ... [I]0-i prefer [[my]0-i women]2137-my women to have more curves . " "[0-i] [[You]0-i bastard]2101-you bastard . " The color leaches from [her]392-her face and [she]392-her sways . [I]0-i take a step forward , then stop [myself]0-i . Why do [I]0-i care if [she]392-her is hurting ? That is the whole point , remember ? Hurt [her]392-her feelings enough that [she]392-her ’ll never turn to [me]0-i again . "[0-i] Want [me]0-i to spell it out for [you]0-i , [Doll]61-doll ? " [I]61-doll reach [her]392-her , then thrust [my]61-doll face into [hers]392-her , "[61-doll] [I]0-i do n’t want [you]0-i . "[61-doll]

8

Why did [the two lovers]406-the two lovers end up in [prison]407-prison ? Answer : Because [they]406-the two lovers stole [each other]2117-each other ’s hearts

Victoria

[I]0-i stare at [my]0-i reflection in the shiny elevator door — hair mussed up , lips swollen and bare of lipstick . [I]0-i look … like [I]0-i was thoroughly kissed . [He]409-he did more than that . [He]409-he turned [me]0-i down , [he]409-he insulted [me]0-i , and [I]0-i stood there and took it . What choice did [I]0-i have ? [I]0-i ca n’t force [him]409-he to take [me]0-i as [[his]409-he sub]410-his sub , ca [I]0-i ? [I]0-i stumble out of [the office building of 7A investments]411-the office building of 7a investments , [my]0-i hand bag at [my]0-i side . Was it only a few hours ago that [I]0-i had torn into [the building]412-the building ? A gust of wind buffets [me]0-i . [I]0-i sway ; the rain slicks [my]0-i hair back , floods [my]0-i sight . [I]0-i step forward , [my]0-i feet encounter thin air , and [I]0-i pitch forward . A scream rips from [my]0-i throat and [I]0-i am hauled back . " Hey , [you]2107-the woman okay ? "[0-i] [I]0-i turn around to encounter sharp gray eyes . " Are [you]0-i all right ? "[2107-the woman] [the woman]2107-the woman asks again . [I]0-i swallow , nod . Open [my]0-i mouth to thank [her]2107-the woman , but no words emerge . [My]0-i heart is racing so hard that [I]0-i am sure it ’s going to jump right out of [my]0-i rib cage . [She]2107-the woman peruses [my]0-i face , " [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[2107-the woman] [She]2107-the woman frowns . [I]0-i peer through the rain . [She]2107-the woman ’s as tall as [me]0-i , wearing a raincoat cinched around [her]2107-the woman waist . " Have [me]2107-the woman met ? "[2107-the woman] [I]0-i scan [her]2107-the woman features . " [You]2107-the woman ’re [[Summer]44-summer ’s stepmother]2142-summer ’s stepmother , right ? "[0-i] [I]0-i wince . That is so not the identity [I]0-i need to be riddled with … But yeah , no getting away from it . [I]0-i nod and [her]2107-the woman face cracks into a wide grin . " [I]2107-the woman saw [you]2107-the woman at [Sinclair]45-sinclair and [Summer]44-summer ’s wedding ... "[2107-the woman] [I]0-i glance at [her]2107-the woman features , then shake [my]0-i head , " Sorry , [I]0-i have a bad memory for names . ”[0-i] [I]0-i glance up at [her]2107-the woman clear umbrella . " Oh , shoot . "[2107-the woman] [She]2107-the woman steps forward to hold [her]2107-the woman wide umbrella over [me]0-i . The rain stops pounding [my]0-i face . " It ’s [Amelie]62-weston . "[2107-the woman] [She]2107-the woman prompts . " [Amelie]62-weston ? "[2107-the woman] [I]2107-the woman 'm [[Summer]44-summer ’s friend]2143-summer ’s friend ? "[2107-the woman] " Ah . "[2107-the woman] " [I]2107-the woman ’m [a pastry chef]2144-a pastry chef . "[2107-the woman] [She]2107-the woman grins , all bright and happy . Christ , [she]2107-the woman makes [me]0-i feel a hundred years old . Was [I]0-i ever that hopeful about [my]0-i future ? Maybe before [the Mafia]314-the mafia had gotten to [me]0-i ? When [I]0-i had been [a student at [UCLA]6-ucla]415-a student at ucla ? No , [I]0-i 'd always been [a brooder]416-a brooder , [a thinker]417-a thinker ... [some]418-some would say [a dreamer]419-a dreamer , even . Look where that ’s gotten [me]0-i . [I]0-i bite [my]0-i lower lip . [She]2107-the woman frowns , peers into [my]0-i face , " In fact , [I]2107-the woman was on [my]2107-the woman way to meeting [her]44-summer right now . Why do n’t [you]0-i come along ? ’ [I]2107-the woman stare , then shake [my]2107-the woman head , "[2107-the woman] [I]0-i honestly do n’t want to impose . " "[2107-the woman] Oh , [you]0-i ’re not imposing , and [Summer]44-summer will be glad to see [you]0-i . [I]0-i chew the inside of [my]0-i cheek . Somehow , [I]0-i do n’t think so . " [She]44-summer ’s mentioned how much [she]44-summer wants to get to know [you]0-i better . "[0-i] " [She]44-summer has ? "[44-summer] [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head . Is [she]44-summer saying it to make [me]0-i feel better ? Or is [she]44-summer really trying to be friendly ? [A man]175-a man almost walks into [us]421-us , then excuses [himself]175-a man to veer past [us]421-us . [I]0-i stare . " Did [he]175-a man apologize ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer laughs . " That ’s [London]2-london for [you]0-i . It ’s very civilized , is n’t it ? "[44-summer] " [I]175-a man ’d forgotten . "[175-a man] " [You]0-i ’re British , of course . [I]0-i could tell from [your]0-i accent . So how did [you]0-i meet [[Summer]44-summer ’s father]2145-summer ’s father ? "[0-i] [I]0-i tense , pull [myself]0-i up straight , " [I]0-i think [I]0-i need to leave . "[0-i] [Her]44-summer face crumples . " Oh , [I]0-i ’m sorry . [I]0-i had n’t meant to be nosy . Sometimes [my]0-i mouth does n’t grasp what [my]0-i brain is trying to communicate . Often , [I]0-i speak nonsense , and by the time [I]0-i ’ve realized what [I]0-i ’ve said , it ’s too late . "[0-i] [I]0-i draw in a breath . All that bubbliness is overwhelming . " [I]44-summer said too much again , did n’t [I]44-summer ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer grimaces , [her]44-summer gaze turning stricken . " Please forgive [me]44-summer , please . "[44-summer] [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin . " Do n’t worry about it . "[0-i] [She]44-summer locks [her]44-summer arm with [mine]0-i , then begins to walk . [I]0-i keep pace . " It ’s just [[us]2146-us girls]2147-us girls tonight . [Sinclair]45-sinclair ’s allowing [Summer]44-summer the evening off . "[0-i] " Allowing [her]44-summer the evening off ? "[0-i] " [He]45-sinclair ’s sooo possessive about [her]44-summer . Honestly , [that man]2148-that man is 100 % alpha … And of course , there ’s [the rest of [the Seven]2150-the seven]2149-the rest of the seven . Put [them]2150-the seven all in [one room]2151-one room , and whoa . "[44-summer] [She]44-summer makes a smacking sound with [her]44-summer lips , " [I]44-summer swear [my]44-summer ovaries ca n’t take it . "[44-summer] " There ’s seven of them ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer nods , " [I]44-summer have n’t seen the seventh , of course . "[44-summer] " Oh ? Why 's that ? "[44-summer] Perhaps [she]44-summer has [her]44-summer uses , after all ? Maybe [she]44-summer can shed a little more light on [the man]207-the man [I]0-i have to find a way to get close to ? " [Baron]63-baron , that 's [the guy who 's not around]2152-the guy who 's not around . [He]63-baron 's a kind of mystery figure , "[44-summer] [she]44-summer adds obligingly . " What does [he]63-baron do ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer raises [her]44-summer shoulders . " Do n’t know … Anyway , [the ones who are here]2153-the ones who are here are more than enough to keep [a girl]357-a girl occupied , if [you]0-i know what [I]44-summer mean . "[44-summer] Ah ! " So [you]44-summer have [your]44-summer eye on one of [them]2153-the ones who are here ? "[44-summer] " Maybe … "[44-summer] [she]44-summer giggles . The sound is so infectious , [I]0-i ca n’t stop [my]0-i lips from curving . Maybe [she]44-summer is n't bad company , after all . [We]423-we reach the entrance to [the tube station]424-the tube station and [I]0-i hesitate . [She]44-summer turns to [me]0-i , " It ’s only a few stops on [the train]2155-the train to get to [Summer ’s place]2156-summer ’s place . "[44-summer] " [[Her]44-summer house]2157-her house ? "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow , uh , " [I]0-i really do n’t think that ’s a good idea . "[0-i] [She]44-summer grips [my]0-i arm , " Nonsense , [you]0-i ’re soaked . "[44-summer] " [I]44-summer ’ll dry . "[44-summer] " Surely , [you]0-i do n't want to be alone ? "[0-i] [I]0-i bite [my]0-i lips . " It ’s a good old - fashioned stay over , which [we]2158-we have n’t done in a while , and that ’s important , [you]0-i know ? [Female friendships]2159-female friendships are ah - may - z - [i]44-summer - n - g ! "[44-summer] [she]44-summer sing - songs . Not always , but … okay . " [[We]2158-we women]2160-we women , [we]2158-we need to have [each other]2117-each other ’s backs … "[44-summer] [She]44-summer rocks forward on the balls of [her]44-summer feet , " ... especially when [you]44-summer need a shoulder to lean on , [ya]44-summer know ? [I]44-summer narrow [my]44-summer gaze . "[44-summer] Not that [you]44-summer need [anyone else]369-anyone else" [She]44-summer jostles the strap of [her]44-summer hand bag , "[44-summer] ... but [we]426-we ’d love to have [you]44-summer . With [Summer]44-summer married … [we]426-we need [more single gals in [our]426-we group]427-more single gals in our group to exchange notes about [eligible men]428-eligible men" [I]426-we wince . "[426-we] Ouch . " [She]44-summer hunches [her]44-summer shoulders , "[426-we] Did n’t want to remind [you]44-summer of [your]44-summer newly - single status . " [I]426-we lower [my]426-we chin . "[426-we] Jeez , did n’t mean to imply that [you]44-summer had to start looking right away or anything , not so soon after [[your]44-summer husband]2055-your husband 's death … [I]0-i mean — " [she]44-summer makes a choking noise . [I]0-i draw [myself]0-i up , pat [her]44-summer shoulder . "[0-i] It ’s okay . [[Summer]44-summer ’s father]2145-summer ’s father and [I]0-i were married , but [we]426-we were n't ever intimate . " [Her]44-summer lips open in an ' O. ' Shit , had n’t meant to reveal that to [her]44-summer . What the hell is wrong with [me]426-we ? "[426-we] That ’s [our]426-we secret , huh ? " [She]44-summer grins , "[44-summer] [You]44-summer betcha . See , [we]426-we ’re already getting along so well . " [She]44-summer steps into [the tube station]424-the tube station . "[44-summer] [You]44-summer must come with [me]0-i . [Summer]44-summer would never forgive [me]0-i if [I]0-i did n't bring [you]44-summer along . " [I]44-summer wrap [my]44-summer arms about [my]44-summer waist . [She]44-summer turns , "[44-summer] Come on , [you]44-summer 'll enjoy it . [I]0-i promise . " [I]0-i shuffle [me]0-i feet . "[0-i] Jeez , [I]0-i ’m sorry . " [She]44-summer glances past [me]0-i , then breaks into a run . "[0-i] [Taxi]431-taxi , " [she]44-summer calls out . [A black cab]2163-a black cab pulls up to the curb . [She]435-she wrenches open the door , tumbles in , then beckons , "[435-she] Coming ? "[435-she]

Half an hour later [we]432-we draw up in front of [a gorgeous townhouse in [Primrose Hill]7-primrose hill]433-a gorgeous townhouse in primrose hill . [I]0-i lean forward to pay off [the driver]266-the driver . [Amelie]62-weston waves [me]0-i off . [She]435-she hands over a few notes , then opens the door and jumps out . [I]0-i follow [her]435-she across [the sidewalk]436-the sidewalk . [She]435-she opens the gate , then bounds up [the path]437-the path to the front door . [The taxi]438-the taxi drives off . [I]0-i glance up and down [the road]439-the road . The trees are bathed in the fading sun , raindrops glittering on the leaves . The hair on the nape of [my]0-i neck prickles . Is [someone]236-someone watching [me]0-i ? [I]0-i stare through the fading light … but nothing stirs . Voices reach [me]0-i and [I]0-i turn to find [Amelie]62-weston and [Summer]44-summer talking in front of the open door to [the house]441-the house . [I]0-i hesitate . Do [I]0-i want to be [here]260-here ? [I]0-i should turn and go , but where ? To [the short let in Hackney]443-the short let in hackney , which is all [I]0-i am able afford ? No , [I]0-i am better off walking in , facing [the women]444-the women . Learning more about [the Seven]55-the seven . Okay , about one of [them]55-the seven , in particular . [I]0-i was handed one last opportunity to find [my]0-i way out of this mess and [I]0-i am going to take it . [I]0-i square [my]0-i shoulders , then walk down [the path]437-the path . When [I]0-i reach the short flight of steps leading to the door , [I]0-i look up . [Summer]44-summer smiles at [me]0-i , holds out a hand . The breath rushes out of [me]0-i . [I]0-i take the steps , pause when [I]0-i reach [her]44-summer . [She]44-summer closes the distance between [us]446-us , hugs [me]0-i . " Welcome [home]213-home . "[44-summer] Tears knock at the backs of [my]0-i eyes . Jesus , why am [I]0-i getting this emotional ? [Summer]44-summer steps back , then tugs on [my]0-i arm , " [You]0-i ’re soaked , let [me]44-summer get [you]0-i some fresh clothes . "[44-summer] Half an hour later , after having showered and pulled on the clothes that [Summer]44-summer had left for [me]0-i in [the guest bedroom]447-the guest bedroom , [I]0-i walk into [the cozy room overlooking [the back garden]449-the back garden]448-the cozy room overlooking the back garden . [Summer]44-summer had offered to wash and dry [my]0-i clothes in the washing machine and [I]0-i had agreed . [Amelie]62-weston looks up , then jumps to [her]450-her feet . [She]450-her walks forward and takes [my]0-i hand , " Come on , [we]2165-we ’re having Margaritas and ice cream . "[450-her] Thunder cracks outside , then lightning illuminates the space in front of [the room]319-the room . [I]0-i jump , [my]0-i heartbeat ratcheting up . [Amelie]62-weston ’s hand on [mine]0-i tightens . " [I]450-her do n’t like storms either , "[450-her] [she]450-her whispers . In that moment , [I]0-i want to hug [her]450-her close . [She]450-her tugs [me]0-i forward and [I]0-i follow [her]450-her , sinking down on the large circular settee that faces the large window at the back of [the room]319-the room . [Summer]44-summer walks over , a pitcher of margaritas in [her]44-summer hand . " Umm . [I]0-i ’m not sure if [I]0-i should , "[0-i] [I]0-i mumble . " [You]44-summer absolutely should . "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer laughs . [I]0-i hesitate . " If [you]44-summer do n’t , [[our]2166-our hostess]2167-our hostess will be most unhappy and [you]44-summer do n’t want that do [you]44-summer ? "[0-i] [Amelia]64-amelia leans forward , holds out an empty glass . [Summer]44-summer tops it off . [Amelie]62-weston hands it over and [I]0-i wrap [my]0-i fingers around it . " Could [I]62-weston get a bigger glass ? [I]62-weston ’ll finish this in no time . "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston stares at the soup bowl - sized circumference , then cackles . [Summer]44-summer laughs . [The fourth girl]453-the fourth girl chuckles . [She]453-the fourth girl comes forward holding , [her]453-the fourth girl own glass . " [I]453-the fourth girl ’m [Isla]65-isla , by the way . "[453-the fourth girl] [She]453-the fourth girl raises [her]453-the fourth girl glass . " What are [we]454-the three drinking to ? "[453-the fourth girl] [The three]454-the three look at [each other]2117-each other , then [Summer]44-summer turns to [me]0-i , " To having [family]2168-family close . "[44-summer] [I]0-i swallow . " To friendship , "[44-summer] [Amelie]62-weston clinks [hers]62-weston with [Summer]44-summer ’s . " To … Orgasms ? "[62-weston] [Isla]65-isla flutters [her]65-isla eyelashes . [I]0-i allow [my]0-i lips to twitch . " To being fucked until [I]0-i ca n’t walk straight for days , "[0-i] [I]0-i offer . There ’s silence , then [the girls]456-the girls burst out laughing . [Summer]44-summer sputters , " [I]44-summer ’ll drink to that . "[44-summer] " As if [you]44-summer need to ? "[65-isla] [Isla]65-isla winks at [Summer]44-summer , " If the sparks between [Sinclair]45-sinclair and [you]44-summer are any indication , that ’s a normal state for [you]44-summer . "[65-isla] [Summer]44-summer makes the sign to zip [her]44-summer lips , " Not saying anything . ”[44-summer] " [You]44-summer never share any details , "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston pouts . " [Not one to kiss and tell]2169-not one to kiss and tell . "[62-weston] [Summer]44-summer raises [her]44-summer glass , " To [guys who love [us]2171-us]2170-guys who love us . "[44-summer] " To [the losers who did n’t deserve to keep [us]2171-us]2172-the losers who did n’t deserve to keep us , "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston tosses [her]457-her head . " [The sexy bastards who are gon na be so lucky to meet [us]2171-us]2173-the sexy bastards who are gon na be so lucky to meet us , "[457-her] [Isla]65-isla clinks [her]65-isla glass . " To … "[65-isla] [I]0-i chew on [my]0-i lower lip , " TGIF . "[0-i] [The three]454-the three stare at [me]0-i . " Thank [God]66-god it ’s Friday ? "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston furrows [her]457-her eyebrows . [I]0-i glance at each of [their]454-the three faces , " Tongue Goes in First . "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston hoots , " [I]62-weston love [[your]44-summer step - mama]2174-your step - mama , [Summer]44-summer . "[62-weston] [I]0-i wince , glance at [Summer]44-summer , who shakes [her]44-summer head . [Her]44-summer phone pings . [She]44-summer picks it up , checks the screen and smiles . " [Sienna]67-sienna says [she]67-sienna 's bummed not to be [here]260-here , but the pregnancy is exhausting [her]67-sienna . [She]67-sienna 's going to stay in . "[44-summer] " [Sienna]67-sienna ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . " [[Jace]68-jace 's wife]2176-jace 's wife . "[0-i] [Summer]44-summer sets the phone down . " [He]2176-jace 's wife 's [a friend of [the Seven]55-the seven]2177-a friend of the seven . [They]55-the seven moved [here]260-here from [LA]8-la because [Sienna]67-sienna 's pregnant and [they]55-the seven want to bring up [the child]2179-the child in [[Jace]68-jace 's home country]2180-jace 's home country . "[44-summer] " That sounds wonderful . It 's beautiful that [they]55-the seven can plan for the future , a life together . "[44-summer] A ball of emotion clogs [my]0-i throat . Where has this ... hankering for becoming part of [an unit]459-an unit come from ? To have [someone to call [my]0-i own]323-someone to call my own . [A family]461-a family , [kids]462-kids . [I]0-i had hoped that [I]0-i 'd have it all one day , until [Nina]52-nina 's kidnapping had turned [my]0-i world upside down . It could have easily been [me]0-i . Hell , sometimes [I]0-i wish it had been [me]0-i . [I]0-i 'd have gladly traded places with [her]52-nina . [She]52-nina and [I]0-i ? [We]463-we ’re ... [Solid]69-solid . Until [I]0-i met [her]52-nina , [I]0-i was always [a background friend]464-a background friend . [I]0-i never fit in with [any particular circle of [friends]466-friends]465-any particular circle of friends . All through [high school]467-high school , [I]0-i 'd find these cliques . [They]468-they 'd be close with [each other]2117-each other and [I]0-i 'd sort of latch on , but [I]0-i was never permanent with [them]468-they . [They]468-they would n’t have even noticed if [I]0-i was n't with [them]468-they . All of that changed when [I]0-i met [Nina]52-nina . With [her]52-nina , [I]0-i did n't feel left out . It was like [I]0-i had found someone who got [me]0-i . Someone who recognized [a kindred soul]470-a kindred soul , know what [I]0-i mean ? [She]52-nina had [my]0-i back . [We]471-we promised to look out for [each other]2117-each other , to be [the sister [we]471-we each had always wanted and never had]473-the sister we each had always wanted and never had . And then [she]52-nina was gone . [My]0-i throat closes . No way , could [I]0-i abandon [her]52-nina when [she]52-nina needs [me]0-i . [I]0-i 'd do everything , and more , to help [her]52-nina . [I]0-i take a sip of [my]0-i drink . The cold liquid slides down [my]0-i throat . It hits [my]0-i stomach and warmth instantly tingles up [my]0-i spine . " Yum . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance down at the cocktail . " This is good . "[0-i] " Is n’t it ? "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer licks [her]44-summer lips . [She]44-summer glances around , then sinks down into an overstuffed cushion . " [I]44-summer am surprised [Saint]47-saint allowed [you]0-i leave [the office]2181-the office on [your]0-i own . "[44-summer] " Oh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i sink back into the settee while the other two sprawl out next to [me]0-i . " [I]0-i did n’t think [he]47-saint wanted [me]0-i there a second longer . "[0-i] " [I]44-summer do n't know . "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer levels [me]0-i with a stare . " [He]47-saint sure seemed keen to take care of [you]0-i . "[44-summer] [My]0-i cheeks heat . " It is n't what it seems . "[44-summer] [I]0-i cringe . Ugh , is that the oldest excuse in the book , or what ? [Summer]44-summer frowns , " Perhaps [he]47-saint does n’t quite know how to share what [he]47-saint feels for [you]0-i ? "[44-summer] [I]0-i choke on [my]0-i drink . " What [he]47-saint feels for [me]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i set [my]0-i glass down with such force that some of the drink spills . [I]0-i glance around . [Summer]44-summer hands [me]0-i a box of tissues and [I]0-i pull one out , mop up the drink from the table . " [He]47-saint left [me]0-i in [[his]47-saint room]2182-his room , for a so - called important appointment . "[0-i] [I]0-i wad the tissue into a ball , " And when [I]0-i find [him]47-saint , it 's with [his]47-saint — "[0-i] [I]0-i clamp [my]0-i lips shut . Damn , [I]0-i want to confide in [them]474-them , but can [I]0-i trust [them]474-them ? Will [I]0-i be able to trust [anyone]280-anyone after the events of the last few months ? " Ooh . "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston rubs [her]44-summer hands together . " Did [you]0-i catch [him]47-saint with [his]47-saint pants down ? "[44-summer] Heat flushes [my]0-i cheeks . [I]0-i toss the balled - up tissue onto the table , " The details do n’t matter . "[0-i] [Summer]44-summer looks thoughtful , but does n’t speak . [Amelie]62-weston pouts . " Aww , and [I]62-weston thought [you]0-i were going to be fun . "[62-weston] " Trust [me]62-weston , [I]62-weston am [the most boring person [you]44-summer ’ll meet]2183-the most boring person you ’ll meet . "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston , looks [me]0-i up and down . " It ’s [the quiet ones who have a sting in the tail]2184-the quiet ones who have a sting in the tail . "[62-weston] " Sure , "[0-i] [I]0-i hold up [my]0-i forefingers on either side of [my]0-i forehead , " and these are [my]476-my horns . "[476-my] [She]476-my giggles . [Summer]44-summer tilts [her]44-summer head , " At any rate , [he]2185-he got the color back in [your]0-i cheeks . "[44-summer] And how . [She]44-summer pulls up [her]44-summer knees , rests [her]44-summer chin on them , " Did [he]2185-he at least kiss [you]0-i ? "[44-summer] " Of course , not . "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl . " Did [he]2185-he make a move on [you]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i shuffle [my]0-i feet . " Are [you]0-i attracted to [him]2185-he ? "[0-i] [Amelie]62-weston chimes in . " Do [you]0-i like [him]2185-he ? "[65-isla] [Isla]65-isla asks in a breathless tone . " [You]0-i do , do n't [you]0-i ? "[65-isla] " Hold on . "[0-i] [I]0-i hold up [my]0-i hands , scan [their]477-their expectant faces . " Yes , "[0-i] [I]0-i exhale . " Yes , what ? "[0-i] [Amelie]62-weston bounces on the cushions . Whoa , is [she]478-she excitable or what ? [I]0-i let the silence draw out , then reply , " Yes to all of that . "[0-i] " [I]478-she knew it . "[478-she] [She]478-she holds up a hand , and [Isla]65-isla high - five ’s [her]478-she . " Hold on . "[65-isla] [I]0-i frown . " Did [you]477-their two have a bet going ? "[0-i] [Amelie]62-weston peers at [me]0-i from the other side of the settee , " [You]0-i do n’t mind , do [you]0-i ? "[62-weston] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders . " Not as long as [you]478-she ’ll help [me]0-i with what [I]0-i have in mind . "[0-i] " Ooh ! "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston takes a hefty sip , then balances the glass on the arm of the sofa . " Give . "[62-weston] " It ’s all straightforward . "[0-i] Not . " Clearly there 's chemistry between [Saint]47-saint and [me]0-i , and [I]0-i want to stay in [London]2-london . "[0-i] [I]0-i say , sticking to the barebones version of the convoluted reality of [my]0-i life . " [I]0-i do n't want to return to the [US]2186-us . "[0-i] [Summer]44-summer ’s shoulders stiffen . " So [you]0-i want to get together with [Saint]47-saint ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i saw [him]47-saint first at [your]44-summer wedding . "[0-i] [I]0-i nod toward [Summer]44-summer . " There was an instant connection between [us]2187-us . Of course , [I]0-i was married to [[your]44-summer father]2188-your father then — "[0-i] " But [you]0-i had no feelings for [him]47-saint , "[44-summer] [she]44-summer says . [I]0-i glance toward [her]44-summer . " It ’s not like that . [I]0-i cared about [him]47-saint , but ... Was it that obvious ? "[0-i] Clearly , [I]0-i ’m not as good [an actress]479-an actress as [I]0-i like to think , if both [Saint]47-saint and [Summer]44-summer had seen through [my]0-i charade . [She]44-summer scowls , " Only because [I]44-summer 'd been trying to figure out why the hell [a beautiful woman like [you]0-i]2189-a beautiful woman like you would want to be with [him]47-saint . "[44-summer] [Her]44-summer features harden . " [He]47-saint was all wrong for [you]0-i . Besides , "[44-summer] [she]44-summer looks [me]0-i up and down , " [you]0-i 'd be good for [Saint]47-saint . "[44-summer] " [I]0-i ... [I]0-i would ? "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . [She]44-summer nods . " [He]47-saint needs someone who wo n't put up with all that alpha bullshit . "[44-summer] " Like [you]0-i and [Sinclair]45-sinclair ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer smiles and [her]44-summer eyes gleam . " [I]44-summer 'll tell [you]0-i a secret . "[44-summer] " Oh ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer leans forward , as do [the other women]480-the other women . " [These men]2190-these men , "[44-summer] [she]44-summer tilts [her]44-summer head , " the trick to managing [them]2190-these men is to let [them]2190-these men show [you]0-i [their]2190-these men worst side ; let [them]2190-these men rage and rant . And then , when [they]2190-these men think [they]2190-these men have [you]0-i cornered , [you]0-i pull the rug out from under [their]2190-these men feet . "[44-summer] [I]0-i frown . O - k - a - y. " [You]0-i get what [I]44-summer 'm saying ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer peers into [my]0-i face . No . Yes . " [I]44-summer ... think so . "[44-summer] " Good . "[44-summer] [She]44-summer grins . " [I]44-summer think [you]0-i 'll be fine . "[44-summer] " So , [you]0-i do n't mind that [I]44-summer 'm hoping to get together with [someone else]2191-someone else , so soon after [[your]0-i father]2188-your father 's death ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer slashes the air with [her]44-summer hand . " It ’s unusual , but [I]44-summer was n’t close to [Adam]43-adam . [He]43-adam did n’t deserve to die that early , and while [I]44-summer forgive [him]43-adam for abandoning [me]44-summer and [Karma]51-karma to [the foster system in [the UK]9-the uk]2193-the foster system in the uk … Well , [I]44-summer do believe that [he]43-adam had [our]2194-our best interests at heart and … "[44-summer] [her]44-summer lips firm , " that ’s what counts . "[44-summer] Right . [I]0-i peruse [her]44-summer features , then reach over and grasp [her]44-summer hand , " Thank [you]44-summer . "[0-i] " For what ? "[0-i] " For welcoming [me]0-i into [[your]44-summer home]2195-your home , into [[your]44-summer circle]2196-your circle … For not being … "[0-i] " [A bitch]2197-a bitch ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer chuckles . " Yeah . "[44-summer] That too . " [I]44-summer leave that up to [[my]44-summer sister]2198-my sister [Karma]51-karma . "[44-summer] [Her]44-summer brow furrows , " Wish [she]51-karma was [here]260-here today . "[44-summer] " Where is [she]51-karma ? "[44-summer] [She]44-summer taps [her]44-summer fingers on the carpet , " Off on holiday in [Sicily]10-sicily with [some hottie [she]51-karma hooked up with]2200-some hottie she hooked up with . "[44-summer] " Oh ? "[0-i] [My]0-i heart begins to race . It ’s only a coincidence . It does n’t mean anything . Lots of [people]2061-people go to [Sicily]10-sicily on holiday with [a man]175-a man" So , it ’s new love , huh ? "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer flips [her]44-summer hair over [her]44-summer shoulder , " That ’s the thing . [I]44-summer ’ve never met [him]175-a man . It was all so sudden . One minute [she]51-karma was calling [me]44-summer to spend the night with [her]51-karma — which is not [Karma]51-karma at all either , by the way — the next [she]51-karma ’s texting [me]44-summer to say [she]51-karma ’s jetting off on an Italian holiday . "[44-summer] " Sicilian . "[44-summer] " That ’s what [I]44-summer said . "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer frowns . " Not the same thing — "[44-summer] [I]0-i bite [my]0-i lips . Shit , should n’t have said that . [I]0-i widen [my]0-i gaze , " [I]0-i ’m sure [she]51-karma ’s having a great time . [Everyone]2130-everyone deserves at least one dirty holiday with [an alpha male of]2202-an alpha male of [their]2130-everyone dreams , huh ? "[0-i] " Is that why [you]0-i chose [Saint]47-saint ? "[0-i] [I]0-i wince . " "[0-i] But that 's not the only reason , right ? " [Amelie]62-weston inches closer . "[0-i] [You]0-i want the security that [Saint]47-saint 's money can provide , and the chemistry between [the two of [you]0-i]483-the two of you makes for an interesting starting point . " "[0-i] [I]0-i ... " [She]2203-she waves a hand in the air , "[0-i] Hey , [I]0-i 'm the last to judge . [I]0-i mean , relationships have been built on far less . Besides [you]0-i 're [one of [us]485-us]484-one of us , and [Saint]47-saint clearly needs [you]0-i in [his]47-saint life . " "[47-saint] [He]47-saint does ? " [My]47-saint head whirls . [She]2203-she nods . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint just does n't know it yet . " Oh , [man]2109-man , [I]47-saint ca n't keep up . "[47-saint] [You]0-i do realize that [he]47-saint 's among [the most twisted of [the Seven]2150-the seven]486-the most twisted of the seven ? " [Amelie]62-weston 's gaze narrows . Interesting . Behind [that overeager , always ready to please façade]2205-that overeager , always ready to please façade , is [a sharp brain]2206-a sharp brain . And [I]47-saint should be the last to judge [a woman]297-a woman by [her]297-a woman looks . "[47-saint] [I]0-i am aware that [he]47-saint has certain hidden proclivities , " [I]47-saint venture . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint ’s [a dominant]488-a dominant ? " [Isla]65-isla frowns . "[488-a dominant] [They]489-they all are . " [Summer]44-summer waves [her]44-summer hand in the air . [Amelie]62-weston turns on [her]65-isla , "[62-weston] Even [Weston]62-weston ? " [I]62-weston glance at [her]65-isla features . [Her]65-isla lips are parted , eyes slightly dilated . Is that how [I]62-weston looked when [I]62-weston walked in on [Saint]47-saint ? [She]65-isla jerks [her]65-isla head to [me]62-weston , and [I]62-weston glance back at [Summer]44-summer . "[62-weston] [All of the Seven]490-all of the seven will stop at nothing to get [their]490-all of the seven own way . " [Summer]44-summer holds [my]62-weston gaze . "[62-weston] [These men]2190-these men are bloody arresting , right ? " None more so than [Saint]47-saint . [I]2190-these men want to tame [him]47-saint , while simultaneously throwing [myself]2190-these men down at [his]47-saint feet and begging [him]47-saint to take [me]2190-these men — is what [I]2190-these men want to say . But [I]2190-these men 'd already pushed it with the TGIF comment , and [I]2190-these men do n't want [these women]2208-these women to think [I]2190-these men 'm weird . Besides [I]2190-these men need [them]2208-these women on [my]2190-these men side ... fast . [I]2190-these men nod [my]2190-these men head . "[2190-these men] [You]492-you can say that again . " [I]492-you mumble . [Summer]44-summer chuckles . [Isla]65-isla snorts . "[492-you] [You]492-you thought [he]493-he would n't be able to say no to [you]492-you , that [you]492-you 'd make an offer [he]493-he could n't refuse ? " [Amelie]62-weston cuts in . [I]492-you blink . Am [I]492-you that transparent , or are [these women]2208-these women unusually perceptive ? "[492-you] [You]492-you did , did n't [you]492-you ? " [Amelie]62-weston crawls close to [me]492-you , [her]2208-these women gaze wide . [I]492-you glance at [her]2208-these women . [Her]2208-these women cheeks flush . "[492-you] Go on , give . " [She]2208-these women scans [my]492-you features , [her]2208-these women expression expectant . "[492-you] Yep . " "[492-you] Wait , what did [I]0-i miss ? " [Summer]44-summer glances between [us]2210-us . "[0-i] [I]0-i believe [step - mama]494-step - mama here asked [Saint]47-saint to become [her]494-step - mama dominant . " [Summer]44-summer laughs . "[0-i] No , [you]492-you did n’t . " "[492-you] Yes . " [I]492-you tuck [my]492-you hair behind [my]492-you ears . "[492-you] Though trust [me]0-i , there ’s no , " [I]0-i make air quotes , "[0-i] ’ asking ’ [the man]207-the man for anything . [He]207-the man wants , [he]207-the man takes , " [I]207-the man mutter . "[207-the man] End of story . " "[0-i] [You]0-i ’re right about that . Bet that made for an interesting conversation , huh ? " [Isla]65-isla nods . "[492-you] [You]492-you have no idea . " [I]207-the man reach for [my]207-the man drink . "[207-the man] [He]207-the man turned [you]492-you down ? " [Amelia]64-amelia wiggles [her]64-amelia legs , [her]64-amelia gaze arrested . [My]207-the man shoulders sag . "[207-the man] How dare [he]207-the man ? " [Summer]44-summer grabs a cushion and punches it . "[207-the man] Yeah . " [Isla]65-isla sits up . "[207-the man] [We]496-we need to teach [him]207-the man a lesson . [You]492-you ’re beautiful ... gorgeous . [You]492-you 're exactly the kind of challenge [he]207-the man needs . " "[492-you] Bet [he]207-the man knows it too . " [Summer]44-summer looks [me]207-the man up and down . "[207-the man] Maybe that ’s why [he]207-the man did an about - turn ? [He]207-the man knew if [he]207-the man took [you]492-you on , [he]207-the man risked getting involved . " [I]207-the man shake [my]207-the man head . "[207-the man] [You]492-you should have seen [him]207-the man , when [I]0-i walked in on [him]207-the man . [He]207-the man was … " "[207-the man] Angry ? " "[207-the man] Turned on ? " "[207-the man] Ready to throw [you]492-you down and shag [you]492-you ? " [I]207-the man circle the rim of [my]207-the man glass with [my]207-the man forefinger , "[207-the man] Distracted . " "[207-the man] What ? " [Amelie]62-weston frowns . "[207-the man] [He]207-the man was busy , " [I]207-the man reply . "[207-the man] All an act . " [She]492-you huffs . [Summer]44-summer raises an eyebrow , then nods . “[0-i] [I]0-i think [I]0-i ’m familiar with that act . [He]207-the man did n’t want [you]492-you to see how much [you]492-you affect [him]207-the man . " [Her]492-you lips curve , "[207-the man] Trust [me]0-i . [I]0-i saw the way [he]207-the man was eating [you]492-you up with [his]207-the man eyes at [my]0-i wedding . " "[207-the man] Perhaps [he]207-the man was interested , but [he]207-the man sure as hell disguised it well , " [I]207-the man mutter . "[207-the man] Only one way to find out . " [Amelie]62-weston taps [her]492-you finger to [her]492-you cheek . [I]207-the man glance at [her]492-you warily . "[207-the man] Why do [I]0-i have the feeling [you]492-you are the last one [I]0-i should be taking advice from ? " "[492-you] Aww … Come on , [V]70-v , " [she]492-you pouts , "[70-v] [you]70-v do n’t mean that . " [I]70-v draw in a breath , "[70-v] [I]0-i guess not . After all , [I]0-i get by with a little help from [[my]0-i friends]2056-my friends . " "[2056-my friends] Did [you]492-you quote [The Beatles]71-the beatles ? " [Summer]44-summer chuckles . [I]492-you redden , "[492-you] Old habit . " "[492-you] It ’s delightful . [You]70-v ’re delightful . In fact , " [she]492-you scowls , "[70-v] [you]70-v are not what [I]0-i expected . " "[70-v] Oh ? " [I]70-v meet [her]492-you gaze , "[70-v] What did [you]492-you think [I]0-i was ? " "[492-you] Cold , " [Isla]65-isla interjects . "[492-you] Hard , " [Amelie]62-weston adds . [Summer]44-summer wriggles around and makes [herself]44-summer comfortable , "[70-v] [You]70-v know … [You]70-v turned up unannounced at [my]0-i wedding as [[[my]0-i father]498-my father ’s wife]499-my father ’s wife , someone [I]0-i never knew existed . And [you]70-v were perfectly turned out , designer clothes and all . " "[70-v] [I]0-i prefer to be well - dressed . What ’s wrong with that ? " [I]47-saint scowl . "[47-saint] Not a thing . " [Summer]44-summer looks [me]47-saint up and down . "[47-saint] Bet , that ’s what turns [Saint]47-saint on . Bet [he]47-saint wants to mess [you]70-v up . " [I]47-saint flush , "[47-saint] Maybe . " [I]47-saint glance between [them]500-them , "[47-saint] What are [you]500-them guys thinking ? " "[500-them] [I]0-i think , " [Amelie]62-weston sits up on [her]70-v knees , "[0-i] [you]70-v ’re going about this all wrong . " "[0-i] [I]0-i am ? " "[70-v] [You]70-v went in and asked [him]47-saint outright . [Guys]501-guys do n’t respond well to that . " "[501-guys] And what do [you]70-v know about that ? " [Isla]65-isla teases . "[70-v] [You]70-v , who have n’t had [a steady boyfriend]502-a steady boyfriend in forever . " [Amelie]62-weston does n’t miss a beat , "[70-v] [I]0-i am not [the one in question here]503-the one in question here … Also , [I]0-i ’ve observed human behavior up close . " "[0-i] [You]70-v 're [a pastry chef]2144-a pastry chef , " [Isla]65-isla snorts . "[70-v] Exactly . " [Amelie]62-weston 's lips curve . "[70-v] [I]0-i 've seen [humans]505-humans naked and vulnerable . Not literally , " [she]65-isla hastens to add , "[70-v] but [you]70-v ever observe [people]2061-people enjoying [their]2061-people dessert ? [They]2061-people let [[their]2061-people guards]507-their guards down , and tune in to [their]2061-people baser instincts . [You]70-v can tell a lot about [a man]175-a man by the way [he]175-a man eats [his]175-a man pudding . " [Isla]65-isla makes a gagging sound . "[175-a man] PJ . PJ , " [she]65-isla singsongs . "[72-pj] [PJ]72-pj ? " [I]72-pj frown . "[72-pj] Poor joke , " [she]65-isla clarifies . [Amelie]62-weston reddens . "[72-pj] Uh , that 's not what [I]0-i mean . " [Summer]44-summer chuckles . "[0-i] Sure , [you]0-i did . " "[0-i] Okay so it came out all wrong , but [you]0-i get [me]0-i , right ? " [Amelie]62-weston waves a hand in the air . [I]0-i take in [her]65-isla scarlet features . A smile trembles on [my]0-i lips . "[0-i] Anyway , do n’t mock it until [you]0-i try it . " [Amelie]62-weston turns to [me]0-i , "[0-i] As [I]0-i was saying ... " "[0-i] Yes ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i think [you]0-i should make [Saint]47-saint jealous . " [Her]65-isla eyes gleam , "[47-saint] Very jealous . "[47-saint]

9

[I]0-i am [an odd number]509-an odd number . Take away a letter and [I]0-i become even . What number am [I]0-i ? Answer : Seven

[Saint]47-saint

The music reverberates from the walls of [the nightclub]510-the nightclub . [The blonde]511-the blonde leans in and shoves [her]511-the blonde ample bosom into [my]0-i face . [I]0-i glance down [her]511-the blonde neckline , yawn . [She]511-the blonde grabs a cushion from the next chair , slaps it to the floor between [my]0-i legs , then drops to [her]511-the blonde knees . [She]511-the blonde lowers the zipper on [my]0-i pants and [my]0-i dick springs free . [I]0-i shove a hand into the pocket of [my]0-i slacks . [I]0-i could do with a fucking cigarette about now . [She]511-the blonde bends and takes [me]0-i into [her]511-the blonde mouth . The blood thuds at [my]0-i temples ; [my]0-i balls shrivel . Hell , [I]0-i do n’t want [her]511-the blonde . [I]0-i grip [her]511-the blonde hair , [she]511-the blonde moans — the sound too exaggerated , too theatrical ... Nothing like the soft breathy cries , the whines , the keening groans from [Gigi]53-gigi . Why am [I]0-i thinking of [her]511-the blonde again ? [I]0-i yank [the blonde]511-the blonde ’s head back . [She]511-the blonde glances up , a frown between [her]511-the blonde eyebrows . " Leave . "[511-the blonde] [She]511-the blonde scowls . Guess [I]0-i owe [her]511-the blonde an explanation ? Not . " It ’s not [you]511-the blonde … "[0-i] [I]0-i crack [my]0-i neck , " it ’s [me]0-i . "[0-i] [Her]511-the blonde lips turn down , then [she]511-the blonde stiffens , springs up . " [You]0-i ’re [a jerk]2211-a jerk , [you]0-i know that ? "[511-the blonde] [She]511-the blonde pivots , then flounces off toward the exit . " What happened ? "[513-a male voice] [A male voice]513-a male voice snickers . " No lead in the old pencil ? "[513-a male voice] " Shut the fuck up , [Weston]62-weston . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance over to where [he]514-his ’s sprawled on a settee — [a woman between [his]514-his legs]515-a woman between his legs . [Her]511-the blonde head bobs as [she]511-the blonde blows [him]514-his . Not a muscle moves in [his]514-his face . [His]514-his features are deadpan . [He]514-his ’s not enjoying that so much as tolerating it . Yeah , when [you]516-you hop from one blow job to the next , it happens . Things leave [you]516-you bored . Flashing eyes , moist lips , the scent of [her]511-the blonde arousal in the air . [My]0-i cock is instantly erect . The hell ? Just thinking of [her]511-the blonde seems to have the most bizarre effect on [my]0-i libido . Unacceptable . [No - one]517-no - one , not even [one of [the Seven]2150-the seven]518-one of the seven , are allowed to get close . So why is it that [I]0-i ca n’t get the images of [our]520-our encounter out of [my]0-i head ? " Clearly , [I]0-i do n’t like [her]511-the blonde . "[0-i] No fucking riddle there to solve . " Who are [you]62-weston talking to ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston peers past [me]0-i . [The fuck]521-the fuck ? Did [I]0-i say that aloud ? [I]0-i scowl , " None of [your]62-weston bloody business . "[0-i] " [The man]207-the man doth protest too much . "[0-i] " Focus on [your]62-weston own asinine problems . "[0-i] " Of which , [I]62-weston ’ll have [you]62-weston know , [I]62-weston have none . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston taps the head of [the woman whose face is stuck to [his]62-weston groin]522-the woman whose face is stuck to his groin . [She]522-the woman whose face is stuck to his groin obediently increases [her]522-the woman whose face is stuck to his groin pace , raising and lowering [her]522-the woman whose face is stuck to his groin head at double the speed . [He]62-weston glances at the one on [his]62-weston right and [she]522-the woman whose face is stuck to his groin thrusts out [her]522-the woman whose face is stuck to his groin chest , squeezes [her]522-the woman whose face is stuck to his groin breasts , moaning in what is clearly fake desire . [He]62-weston frowns , " Less noise , more action . "[62-weston] [The woman]2107-the woman subsides , [her]2107-the woman entire body gyrating with the effort of [her]2107-the woman ministrations on [herself]2107-the woman . " [I]2107-the woman do n’t know , from where [I]2107-the woman am , [you]2107-the woman seem … "[2107-the woman] " Occupied ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston smirks . " Stupefied . "[62-weston] " At least [I]62-weston am getting some satisfaction … [You]0-i , however … "[62-weston] [he]62-weston looks [me]0-i up and down , " ... are a sorry state of affairs . "[62-weston] [I]0-i tense . " Fuck off , [douchebag]2213-douchebag . "[0-i] " Oh , [I]62-weston intend to . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston widens [his]62-weston stance . [The blonde between [his]62-weston knees]524-the blonde between his knees peers up , [he]62-weston frowns , and [she]524-the blonde between his knees goes back to the services [she]524-the blonde between his knees ’s providing [him]62-weston . " So , it ’s come down to this , huh ? Just two of the Seven trading insults . "[524-the blonde between his knees] [I]0-i tuck [myself]0-i back in , then jump to [my]0-i feet , begin to pace . " Well , [Sinner]73-sinner ’s too infatuated with [[his]73-sinner new wife]2214-his new wife , [Edward]74-edward ’s out … [Priest]2215-priest and all that , [Damian]50-damian ’s off doing whatever it is that [rock stars]2216-rock stars do , [Arpad]75-arpad ’s island - hopping in [the Baltics]11-the baltics , and [Baron]63-baron … "[0-i] " Fucking [Baron]63-baron . "[0-i] [I]0-i drum [my]0-i fingers on [my]0-i chest , " Bet [he]63-baron ’s laughing at [us]2217-us from [whichever corner of [the world]212-the world [he]63-baron is in]2218-whichever corner of the world he is in . "[0-i] " Of all [the Seven of [us]2217-us]2220-the seven of us , [he]63-baron took the incident the worst . "[0-i] [I]0-i stiffen . " Not that it has n’t affected all of [us]2217-us in different ways . It ’s a bit much for [twelve - year - old boys]2221-twelve - year - old boys to have been subjected to what [we]2217-us were — "[0-i] " Stop . "[0-i] [I]0-i grimace . [Weston]62-weston ’s shoulders tense . Then [he]62-weston grips the hair of [the woman]2107-the woman in between [his]62-weston thigh . [He]62-weston tugs and [she]2107-the woman moans . [He]62-weston yanks [her]2107-the woman head back and forth , using [her]2107-the woman mouth to get [himself]62-weston off . [His]62-weston mouth firms , then [he]62-weston pulls [her]2107-the woman off of [him]62-weston . [He]62-weston snaps [his]62-weston fingers and [all three women in [the room]319-the room]526-all three women in the room rise to [their]526-all three women in the room feet . Turning , [they]526-all three women in the room fade toward the exit . " Well trained . "[0-i] [I]0-i smirk . [He]62-weston grabs hold of a napkin from the side table , wipes [himself]62-weston then tucks [himself]62-weston inside of [his]62-weston pants . " Bet [they]526-all three women in the room did n’t pose much of a challenge to [you]62-weston , hmm ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . " Is that what [you]62-weston are looking for ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston tosses the cloth aside , then fixes [himself]62-weston and stands to [his]62-weston feet . Is it ? [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders . " [I]0-i ’m cool , [ol' chap]2068-ol' chap . Easy come , easy go . "[0-i] " That ’s what [Sinner]73-sinner used to say . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston mutters , " Then look what happened to [him]73-sinner … "[62-weston] " [Sinner]73-sinner ’s [a fucking fool]2223-a fucking fool , letting [his]73-sinner emotions getting entangled with [a woman]297-a woman . Not that [I]62-weston have anything against [Summer]44-summer . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston chuckles , " Of course , not . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston rises to [his]62-weston feet . " [I]62-weston am not going to make the same mistake . "[62-weston] [I]0-i crack [my]0-i neck . " [You]0-i trying to convince [me]62-weston or [yourself]0-i ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston asks . " Neither . "[62-weston] [I]0-i shuffle [my]0-i feet . " Mind [you]62-weston , of all [us]2225-us , [Jace]68-jace and [Sinner]73-sinner are the happiest right now . "[0-i] " No doubt ensconced with [[their]2226-their women]2227-their women . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston shudders . " Tying [themselves]2226-their to [one woman]2228-one woman for the rest of [their]2226-their lives . "[62-weston] A hot feeling stabs at [my]0-i chest . Whoa . [I]0-i ’m not jealous . [I]0-i ’m not . Burying [myself]0-i in the same pussy every night , waking up with the scent of [her]528-her in [my]0-i nostrils , [her]528-her moans echoing in [my]0-i ears , the thrum of [her]528-her cunt vibrating at [my]0-i fingertips … Nah . [My]0-i groin hardens ; blood drains to [my]0-i cock . Clearly , [I]0-i need a diversion . [I]0-i did the right thing , turning [her]528-her down . [I]0-i am never going to give in to the temptation [her]528-her body affords [me]0-i . Nope . Shouts reach [me]0-i from [the theatre below]529-the theatre below . Turning , [I]0-i prowl over to the floor - to - ceiling window that overlooks [the stage]530-the stage . [Weston]62-weston joins [me]0-i . [I]0-i gaze down at where [a woman]297-a woman hangs in a graceful split from the pole in the center . The shouting dies down . [She]297-a woman stays motionless , a long statue of grace . [Her]297-a woman leg muscles are coiled , [her]297-a woman calves seem to be carved out of stone . Surely , [her]297-a woman ankles are too delicate to bear the weight of [her]297-a woman body ? Then the strains of a familiar song crash over [the space]532-the space . Is it [The Beatles]71-the beatles ? Who the fuck strip teases to a song by [the bloody Beatles]533-the bloody beatles ? [She]297-a woman arches [her]297-a woman arm at a right angle to [her]297-a woman body . A ripple runs through [the crowd]534-the crowd . [I]0-i freeze . [Victoria]108-victoria does , and damn , does [she]108-victoria give the song a whole new meaning . [She]108-victoria leans into the move , [her]108-victoria hip jutting out … the silvery strip of nothing digging into the crease between [her]108-victoria legs , stretching to outline what would be pink , juicy , pussy lips . A shimmer of lust crawls up [my]0-i spine . The hair on the back of [my]0-i nape rises . The music pumps up …

[I]0-i stare as [she]297-a woman twirls around once , then again . Bends one leg , thrusts out the other , then lets go , to stay poised on one arm for a second — [the crowd]534-the crowd gasps — then [she]297-a woman wraps [her]297-a woman am up and around [her]297-a woman leg , thrusts out [her]297-a woman breasts . [Her]297-a woman nipples are outlined against the shimmery top … that hugs every curve of [her]297-a woman body , baring [her]297-a woman creamy shoulders . The arch of [her]297-a woman neck , the sweat that beads that beautiful skin , clings to the regal arch of [her]297-a woman brow , slides down [her]297-a woman temples , across that soft curve of [her]297-a woman cheek . [She]297-a woman throws [her]297-a woman head back , lips parted , spine arched in the simulation of the first throes of an orgasm . The lyrics crescendo . [She]297-a woman ’s dancing to Come Together by [The Beatles]536-the beatles . [Jesus H Christ]59-jesus . Come together , indeed . [Her]297-a woman eyelids snap open . Familiar green eyes , stare up at [me]0-i . [Her]297-a woman eyes . [I]0-i glare . Under the harsh spotlights , [her]297-a woman skin glows — white , transparent , so fragile . All mine . A growl rips from [me]0-i . " How dare [she]297-a woman ? "[0-i]

10

[Victoria]108-victoria

[His]537-his pale , blue eyes glitter , and even from across the space that separates [us]538-us , they resemble chips of ice . Hard . Mean . [His]537-his nostrils flare . Is [he]537-his angry ? [His]537-his jaw tics ; [his]537-his shoulders seem to grow in size . No , [he]537-his 's not angry ; [he]537-his 's livid . [I]0-i gulp and all of [my]0-i nerve - endings seem to flare . [His]537-his chest heaves and the shirt stretches across the planes , outlining every single ripped muscle . Omigod , [no one]2059-no one should look that gorgeous , that lethal . [My]0-i belly clenches . [I]0-i unfurl [my]0-i body , coil [my]0-i legs around the pole , twirl — once , twice , thrice — flatten out [my]0-i body parallel to the floor in a flat line … Stay … Stay … [My]0-i biceps flex , [my]0-i triceps stretch , all of [my]0-i muscles coil , then [I]0-i lower [my]0-i legs until [I]0-i ’m parallel again , this time to the pole , lower [my]0-i legs , until [my]0-i toes touch the pole . Let go of the pole , to drop down to a crouch , then spring up , arch [my]0-i back , [my]0-i neck , snap out [my]0-i head , search the window above . It ’s empty . What the hell — ? [My]0-i stomach bottoms out . [My]0-i arms and legs tremble . The lyrics of [my]0-i preferred song to dance to thump against [my]0-i breast bone . So close , [I]0-i had been so close . [I]0-i could have sworn [I]0-i ’d caught [his]540-he attention … [I]0-i should have known better . Just because [he]540-he is interested in [me]0-i — Oh , [I]0-i ’d caught the flicker of curiosity in [his]540-he gaze from the moment [he]540-he ’d laid eyes on [me]0-i — so what ? [He]540-he met [many men]541-many men and [women]2103-women , [a billionaire like [him]540-he who has the freakin ’ world at [his]540-he feet]543-a billionaire like him who has the freakin ’ world at his feet . What does [he]540-he know about being helpless , at the mercy of [those who could change [your]545-your life in an instant]544-those who could change your life in an instant ? If [I]0-i do n’t manage to intrigue [him]540-he , [I]0-i 'll never be able to break [Nina]52-nina free of [the Mafia]314-the mafia 's clutches . Goddam [him]540-he . [I]0-i grab the pole with [my]0-i arms , pull [myself]0-i in , then scissor [my]0-i legs wide apart , in a ' V ' swirl , once , twice … It 's thanks to [Nina]52-nina that [I]0-i 'd taken classes in pole dancing . [She]52-nina 'd enjoyed it and had nagged [me]0-i until [I]0-i 'd gone along with [her]52-nina . [She]52-nina thought it would help [me]0-i gain confidence in [myself]0-i , and help [me]0-i come out of [my]0-i shell . And truth is , [I]0-i 'd found it liberating . On the pole [I]0-i can let go of all of [my]0-i inhibitions , forget [I]0-i am [a nerd who does n't fit in anywhere]547-a nerd who does n't fit in anywhere . [I]0-i can let the music get to [me]0-i , allow the lyrics to twist [my]0-i insides , slam against [my]0-i temples , [my]0-i chest , between [my]0-i legs . [I]0-i twirl around the pole , faster , faster — [the world]212-the world spins , lights flash behind [my]0-i eyes . [I]0-i loosen [my]0-i grip , [my]0-i body flies through the air , muscles loose , shoulders coiled , and [I]0-i land on a roll . [The audience]549-the audience gasps , [I]0-i spring up to [my]0-i knees , lower [my]0-i head . Sweat drips down [my]0-i temples , from [my]0-i chin , splatters onto the floor .

The music rises to a crescendo , then switches off . The cheering from [the crowd]534-the crowd smashes into [me]0-i . [I]0-i open [my]0-i eyes , and notice the worn cowboy boots in [my]0-i line of sight . The hair on the nape of [my]0-i neck rises . [I]0-i run [my]0-i gaze up the tailor - made slacks that mold to powerful thighs and cup the bulge between the legs . [I]0-i gulp . Snap [my]0-i head back . " Get up . "[551-his] [His]551-his lips move . [I]0-i hear [him]551-his above the hoots and whistles of [the crowd]534-the crowd . [I]0-i glide up to [my]0-i feet , [the audience]549-the audience cheers . " [Victoria]108-victoria ! "[549-the audience] " [Victoria]108-victoria … Show [your]108-victoria tits . "[551-his] A snarl rolls up [his]551-his chest . [His]551-his biceps bulge . Anger strums off of [him]551-his and [my]0-i nerve endings spark . [I]0-i ’ve seen [Saint]47-saint laid back , bored , cruel intent writ in [his]47-saint every expression . But this … ? [Saint]47-saint … . Livid , every muscle in [his]47-saint body taut , layer upon layer of muscle vibrating with surprised tension … ? [My]0-i thighs spasm and liquid heat curls in [my]0-i belly . " [Victoria]108-victoria , take it all off … "[0-i] Another scream from [the audience]549-the audience rips between [us]555-us . [He]47-saint growls , takes a step forward , " Do it . "[47-saint] [I]0-i blink . " Take off [your]47-saint clothes . "[47-saint] " H … here ? "[549-the audience] " Is n’t that why [you]47-saint ’re here ? To show off [your]47-saint assets ? To cash in what [you]47-saint have for money ? [He]47-saint shoves [his]47-saint hand into [his]47-saint pocket , pulls out [his]47-saint wallet . [He]47-saint holds up a credit card . The light flashes off of it , blinding [me]47-saint for a second . "[47-saint] This is what [you]47-saint want , right ? " [I]47-saint swallow , then tip up [my]47-saint chin . "[47-saint] Of course . " A cold sensation stabs at [my]47-saint chest . [My]47-saint fingers and toes turn to ice . [I]47-saint fold all of [my]47-saint emotions into that tiny space deep inside . Raising one shoulder , [I]47-saint shrug off [my]47-saint scanty sparkly top , then shrug down the other side . The fabric catches on [my]47-saint hard nipples , stays poised a second . One more breath and it will fall . Another hoot from [the audience]549-the audience , "[47-saint] [You]47-saint ’re blocking the view , [[you]47-saint asshole]556-you asshole . " [I]47-saint wince . [Saint]47-saint holds up a hand and [the audience]549-the audience quietens . [He]47-saint moves in closer , closer , until [his]47-saint chest brushes [my]47-saint half naked torso . Goosebumps flare on [my]47-saint skin . [He]47-saint swoops out [his]47-saint arm . [I]47-saint wince . [He]47-saint digs [his]47-saint fingers into [my]47-saint hair , tugs . [I]47-saint arch [my]47-saint head , bare the column of [my]47-saint neck for [his]47-saint perusal . A bead of sweat runs down [my]47-saint temple . [He]47-saint drops [his]47-saint head and licks it up . [I]47-saint shudder . All of [my]47-saint pores pop . "[47-saint] That was a terrible song to strip to , by the way . " [I]47-saint blink . Of all the insignificant things to say … "[47-saint] Not [a Beatles fan]557-a beatles fan , huh ? " "[557-a beatles fan] Hate [them]557-a beatles fan . " "[557-a beatles fan] Oh , goody . " [I]557-a beatles fan flutter [my]557-a beatles fan eyelashes . "[557-a beatles fan] [I]0-i ’ll make sure to strip to only them from now on . " [His]47-saint gaze narrows and [his]47-saint blue eyes lighten until they resemble water swirling under ice — deep , dangerous . [He]47-saint ’s lethal … [a man who ’ll never let go once [his]47-saint interest is aroused]2231-a man who ’ll never let go once his interest is aroused . [I]0-i gulp . [My]0-i heart begins to race . "[0-i] Say that again … " [His]47-saint voice lowers to a hush . "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ll make sure to … " [His]47-saint hand swoops out , then [he]47-saint tears off the strip of cloth from over [my]0-i middle . [I]0-i am instantly wet . Damn [him]47-saint , why do [I]0-i find this hot ? It is n’t . [He]47-saint wants to belt [me]0-i , teach [me]0-i a lesson for what [I]0-i did . [I]0-i ’d dared to throw down the challenge and [he]47-saint had risen to it — [I]0-i drop [my]0-i gaze to where [his]47-saint arousal tents [his]47-saint crotch — in more ways than one . "[0-i] Do it . " [My]558-i voice trembles , and [I]558-i ... [I]558-i hate that . [I]558-i will not allow [him]47-saint to see how scared [I]558-i am . Worried that [my]558-i body will enjoy what [he]47-saint is going to do to [me]558-i . Find that [I]558-i want it , welcome it . Ask [him]47-saint to ravish [me]558-i right here in front of [everyone]2130-everyone . "[558-i] Lost [your]558-i courage ? " [I]559-my tip up [my]559-my chin and [his]47-saint features twist . [He]47-saint bends [his]47-saint knees , grabs [me]559-my by [my]559-my thighs , then pushes [me]559-my down on the padded platform . [I]559-my stare up at [him]47-saint , raise [my]559-my torso . [He]47-saint covers [my]559-my body with [his]47-saint , plants [his]47-saint hips between [my]559-my legs , [his]47-saint hardness stabbing at the hollow between [my]559-my legs . [His]47-saint gaze bores into [me]559-my . [My]559-my heart begins to race , adrenaline lacing [my]559-my blood . Fear claws in [my]559-my gut . [I]559-my raise [my]559-my hand and [my]559-my palm connects with [his]47-saint face . [His]47-saint head snaps back . [He]47-saint straightens and [my]559-my fingerprints are outlined on [his]47-saint cheek . Oh , dear ! That ’s not good , is it ? [I]559-my gulp and [he]47-saint bares [his]47-saint teeth . [I]559-my raise [my]559-my hand again and [he]47-saint catches it , then brings up [my]559-my other arm . [He]47-saint yanks [my]559-my palms up and above [my]559-my head , shackles [my]559-my wrists with [his]47-saint fingers . Then thrusts [his]47-saint hand between [us]2233-us . [I]559-my hear the click of [his]47-saint belt buckle , the rustle of [his]47-saint zipper , then [his]47-saint dick nudges [my]559-my entrance . "[559-my] [You]559-my want this , do n’t [you]559-my ? This is why [you]559-my ’ve been haunting [me]0-i since [I]0-i saw [you]559-my . This is why [you]559-my came to [me]0-i for help . [You]559-my ’re [a whore]560-a whore . Admit it . [You]559-my want what only [I]0-i can give [you]559-my . " [I]559-my nod . "[559-my] Say it . " [He]0-i scowls , "[559-my] [I]0-i want to hear [you]559-my . " "[559-my] " [You]559-my . Only [you]559-my , "[0-i] [I]0-i gasp . [My]0-i insides twist and [my]0-i core aches , even as moisture laces [my]0-i cunt . " [I]559-my need [you]559-my . "[559-my] Not like this . Not like this . " Like this , "[0-i] [he]0-i hisses . " [You]0-i want [me]0-i on this stage . [You]0-i want [me]0-i to take [you]0-i in front of [everyone]2130-everyone . [You]0-i ’re [an exhibitionist]2235-an exhibitionist . [I]0-i freeze . How did [he]0-i guess that "[0-i] [You]0-i want to be taken and broken , until [you]0-i are set free . [You]0-i want [me]0-i to paint [your]0-i insides with [my]0-i cum , to rub [my]0-i name into every pore of [your]0-i body , say it … " Yes . Yes . "[0-i] [You]0-i pushed [me]0-i until [I]0-i crossed the line , until there was no going back . " [His]0-i features twist . The blue in [his]0-i eyes deepens until they seem almost black . "[0-i] Say [you]0-i want [me]0-i to punish [you]0-i , [you]0-i want [me]0-i to fuck [your]0-i past right out of [you]0-i , " [he]0-i snarls . Goddam [him]0-i for laying [my]0-i soul bare in front of [the world]212-the world . [My]0-i chin wobbles . [My]0-i scalp itches . Why is this happening ? Why did it have to turn out like this ? [I]0-i ’m only doing what is needed to save [myself]0-i and [[my]0-i friend]226-my friend … So why ca n’t [he]0-i get on with it ? "[0-i] Do it . " [My]0-i voice emerges as if from far away . [I]0-i wrap [my]0-i legs around [his]0-i waist , thrust [my]0-i hips up .[0-i]

11

[Saint]47-saint

[Her]561-her wet heat sears up [my]0-i shaft ; [my]0-i groin hardens and [my]0-i spine tingles . [My]0-i thighs flex , grow rigid . " Jesus , fuck . "[0-i] The growl rips out of [me]0-i . [I]0-i balance [my]0-i weight on [my]0-i elbows , peer into [her]561-her eyes . Angry green sears through [me]0-i . Emerald , jade and all the fucking precious jewels in [the world]212-the world could n’t compare to the brilliance in [her]561-her eyes ... And now what ? [I]0-i am waxing poetic ? " What are [you]561-her waiting for ? "[0-i] Tears glitter in [her]561-her eyes . For [me]0-i ? For [her]561-her ? [My]0-i heart squeezes . The hell ? Why do [I]0-i want to find out what ’s making [her]561-her come onto [me]0-i , haunt [my]0-i every step , force [herself]561-her on [me]0-i . ? Almost as if [she]561-her is under duress . [I]0-i stiffen , [my]0-i shoulder muscles tensing . Is that what this is ? Is [she]561-her trying to trap [me]0-i somehow ? But why ? It does n’t make any sense . " This is what [you]0-i want , right ? "[561-her] [she]561-her seethes , [her]561-her features a hard mask . " [Me]561-her at [your]0-i disposal . Well , here [I]561-her am , so why do n’t [you]0-i take what [I]561-her am offering and be done with it ? Why do n’t [you]561-her — ? "[561-her] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . [She]561-her blinks . " Not like this . "[561-her] [I]0-i pull back , everything in [my]0-i body protesting . [My]0-i pelvis jerks — wanting , needing to be inside of [her]561-her . Not yet . [Her]561-her mouth opens and closes . " Wh … what are [you]561-her doing ? "[561-her] [I]0-i lock [my]0-i muscles , push up and off of [her]561-her . " [You]561-her ca n’t top from the bottom , [sweetheart]2238-sweetheart . "[0-i] [She]561-her scowls , then glances away . [I]0-i pinch [her]561-her chin . [She]561-her peers up at [me]0-i from under [her]561-her eyelashes . " Guess what [the masochist]2239-the masochist told [the sadist]2240-the sadist ? "[561-her] [I]0-i scan [her]561-her features . " What ? "[561-her] [She]561-her swallows . " Hurt [me]561-her . "[561-her] [Her]561-her pupils dilate and [her]561-her breathing grows ragged . [I]0-i peel back [my]0-i lips , " And what did [the sadist]2240-the sadist reply with ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . [She]561-her tilts [her]561-her head , " [I]561-her[I]561-her do n’t know . "[561-her] " Exactly . "[561-her] [She]561-her frowns . " [He]2240-the sadist said ' No , ' [Sweetheart]76-sweetheart . "[561-her] [She]561-her pales . " To [everyone else]2242-everyone else , [you]76-sweetheart may be [a fragile beauty]2243-a fragile beauty , but [your]76-sweetheart façade does n't fool [me]561-her . "[561-her] [She]561-her swallows , then tosses [her]561-her head , " [I]561-her have no idea what [you]0-i mean . "[561-her] " [I]561-her can see the cracks in [your]76-sweetheart perfection , the need that eats away at [you]76-sweetheart . "[561-her] [Her]561-her breath hitches , " [You]0-i do n’t know what [you]0-i ’re talking about . "[561-her] " Do n’t [you]561-her ? "[0-i] [I]0-i allow [my]0-i lips to curl , " [I]0-i plan to break [you]561-her , and when [I]0-i am done with [you]561-her , [you]561-her ’ll regret ever having caught [my]0-i interest . "[0-i] [Her]561-her lips part , and the scent of [her]561-her — lilies with a dash of pepper — teases [my]0-i nostrils . [My]0-i dick twitches . [My]0-i fingers tremble . They fucking tremble . [I]0-i let go of [her]561-her and [she]561-her sags back . [I]0-i thrust out [my]0-i chest , then tuck [myself]0-i in [my]0-i pants . " [We]2244-we do this [my]0-i way . "[0-i] [I]0-i say . " What ’s that ? "[0-i] " Thirty days [Victoria]108-victoria . If [you]561-her can survive for thirty days without breaking , [I]561-her ’ll take [you]561-her as [my]561-her sub . "[561-her] [She]561-her frowns . " That’s … too long , "[561-her] [she]561-her splutters . " Twenty - four seven . "[561-her] " What ? "[561-her] [Her]561-her cheeks pale . [She]561-her sits up . [Her]561-her breasts jiggle and [her]561-her nipples perking up to salute [me]0-i … So does [my]0-i dick . Fuck . " [You]561-her ’ll work with [me]561-her and warm [my]561-her bed … but [you]561-her ca n’t give in to [me]561-her . "[561-her] " The hell ? Do [you]0-i have any idea how twisted that sounds ? It ’s impossible . How the hell am [I]561-her supposed to put up with [your]561-her arrogance ? "[561-her] " [Your]561-her choice . Take it or leave it . "[561-her] [She]561-her twists [her]561-her fingers in front of [her]561-her , " [Saint]47-saint . "[561-her] " [You]0-i do n’t get to call [me]561-her that . "[561-her] " But — "[561-her] " [You]0-i do n’t question [me]561-her either . "[561-her] " How ? "[0-i] [I]0-i make a zipping motion with [my]0-i fingers over [my]0-i mouth . [She]561-her squeezes [her]561-her lips shut . Thank fuck . Another word from [her]561-her and [I]0-i ’d have tossed that stupid fucking agreement that [I]0-i pulled out of [my]0-i ass into the horseshit pile where it belongs . " Yes or no ? "[77-footsteps] [Footsteps]77-footsteps head toward [us]563-us and shouts slice through the fog in [my]0-i head , " [Saint]47-saint . "[77-footsteps] [I]0-i shove the noise away , focus on [her]561-her . [Her]561-her face pales , then [she]561-her jerks [her]561-her chin . [I]0-i slide up to [my]0-i feet . Rake a last glance across those creamy breasts , [her]561-her concave stomach , the slit between [her]561-her pussy lips . [My]0-i cock jerks and [my]0-i balls thrum . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i fists at [my]0-i sides . Walk away , walk away before [you]564-you do something [you]564-you regret . [A new voice]565-a new voice calls out , " [Saint]47-saint ! "[565-a new voice] [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin up . [Weston]62-weston glowers at [me]0-i . Behind [him]62-weston , [three other men]566-three other men[the bouncers from [the club]568-the club]567-the bouncers from the club — stand shoulder to shoulder , forming a wall between [him]62-weston and the crowd that ’s busy turning [the place]569-the place upside down . Too fucking bad . [We]570-we own [the joint]571-the joint . [We]570-we can do what [we]570-we want with it , and that includes the possessions in it … Except [her]572-her[She]572-her belongs to [me]0-i . [Mine]0-i to do with as [I]0-i chose . [I]0-i glance down and [she]572-her opens [her]572-her mouth . " Nod for yes , shake [your]0-i head for no . "[572-her] [She]572-her stares . " [You]0-i can do that , hmm ? "[572-her] [She]572-her glowers . [I]0-i smirk . " Well ? "[0-i] [I]0-i angle [my]0-i body to leave and [she]572-her brings [her]572-her fingers to [her]572-her mouth , bites [her]572-her nails . Huh ? Who ’d have thought [the perfectly turned out Victoria]573-the perfectly turned out victoria would turn out to be , not only [an accomplished stripper]574-an accomplished stripper — but also has the gross - as - fuck habit of biting [her]572-her nails ? [She]572-her ’s nervous . Good . Time things fall into the form [I]0-i prefer them to be . [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head . [She]572-her nods , a jerk of [her]572-her chin . [My]0-i muscles relax . Thank fuck . No , [I]0-i had n’t been tense , or on edge … Of course , [she]572-her was going to a accept [my]0-i proposal . [She]572-her had to . [She]572-her ’d dogged [my]0-i footsteps , crawled into [my]0-i gut … Time [I]0-i show [her]572-her who is [the master of [her]572-her]575-the master of her . There can be only [one man who commands [her]572-her every waking moment , [her]572-her every second at night , [her]572-her dreams , [her]572-her nightmares , [her]572-her innermost fears , [her]572-her deepest desires]576-one man who commands her every waking moment , her every second at night , her dreams , her nightmares , her innermost fears , her deepest desires … All of it belongs to [me]0-i … Temporarily . It buys [me]0-i time to take [her]572-her apart , piece by piece . To figure out what the hell [she]572-her wants from [me]0-i … and why ? And if [I]0-i use that time to coax [her]572-her into [my]0-i model of [a willing sub]577-a willing sub … Well , that is [my]0-i prerogative . [She]572-her tips up [her]572-her head so [her]572-her gaze collides with [mine]0-i . [I]0-i shrug out of [my]0-i shirt , hand it to [her]572-her . " Get dressed . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to leave . " Wait , "[572-her] [she]572-her calls out . [I]0-i glare at [her]572-her over [my]0-i shoulder . [She]572-her pales , then shrugs into [my]0-i shirt , which hits [her]572-her mid - thigh . The sleeves cover [her]572-her arms completely . [I]0-i frown . [She]572-her darts [her]572-her fingers to the front and begins to thread the buttons through the holes . Good . [She]572-her gets [me]0-i . Finally . " When … "[572-her] [she]572-her swallows . " ... when do [we]2245-we start ? "[572-her] " [You]572-her ’ll find out soon enough . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn back , take another step toward [Weston]62-weston . [A man behind [him]578-a man behind him]578-a man behind him breaks through the chain of [bodyguards]579-bodyguards . [He]578-a man behind him barrels forward , tries to brush past [me]0-i , [his]578-a man behind him gaze set on [Victoria]108-victoria . [I]0-i swing and [my]0-i fist connects with [his]578-a man behind him jaw . [He]578-a man behind him crumples to the ground . Silence descends . [The mob behind stills]580-the mob behind stills . [I]0-i scan [their]580-the mob behind stills faces , " [Anyone]280-anyone , else ? "[0-i]

12

What did the baseball glove say to the ball ? Answer : Catch [you]108-victoria later

[Victoria]108-victoria

" Why has n't [he]578-a man behind him called yet ? "[0-i] [I]0-i chew on [my]0-i fingernails . [I]0-i have n’t heard from [the asshole]581-the asshole in an entire seven days . Well , except for the call from [one of [[his]578-a man behind him assistants]583-his assistants]582-one of his assistants — not [Meredith]56-meredith — directing [me]0-i to [a private clinic in [Hampstead Heath]12-hampstead heath]584-a private clinic in hampstead heath . [The doctor]585-the doctor[a woman]297-a woman — had given [me]0-i a complete physical and drawn enough blood for a series of blood tests . [Jesus]59-jesus , [the brute]587-the brute is thorough . [He]578-a man behind him ’s probably having [me]0-i tested for every STD under the sun . [The doc]588-the doc had wanted to administer the contraceptive injection , but [I]0-i 'd opted for birth control pills . [I]0-i 'd been surprised when [she]585-the doctor had n't insisted otherwise . The acrid taste of nail polish laces [my]0-i tongue . [I]0-i hold up [my]0-i fingers and groan . Every one of [my]0-i finger nails is bitten down to the quick . Ugh . This definitely does n't go along with the sophisticated image [I]0-i try to portray . [I]0-i fist [my]0-i fingers at [my]0-i sides , glance around [the tiny flat]589-the tiny flat . [Amelie]62-weston had invited [me]0-i to move in with [her]585-the doctor and [I]0-i had agreed . Truthfully , it had been a weight off [my]0-i shoulders . No way , could [I]0-i afford the rent at [a studio]590-a studio . [Hotels]591-hotels or long - term rentals were out of the question … Besides , [I]0-i ’m not planning on being broke that long . Just for a few days , until [I]0-i get [my]0-i feet under [me]0-i . Until [I]0-i manage to lure in [one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever . [I]0-i have to get [him]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever to ... what … fall in love with [me]0-i ? Get [me]0-i pregnant with [[his]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever child]593-his child ? [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . Not that , much as [I]0-i want one . This is not the right time to bring [a baby]321-a baby into [this world]595-this world . Really , [I]0-i just need to get [him]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever to trust [me]0-i enough so [I]0-i can get close to [him]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever [I]0-i ’d been stupid to think [my]0-i charms , such as they are , would work … [I]0-i ’d danced at [that club]596-that club , hoping to catch [his]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever attention . At least , it had worked . Maybe too well … ? There had been a strange light in [his]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever eyes when [he]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever ’d directed [me]0-i on how exactly [he]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever wanted [me]0-i to speak to [him]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever ... Which is to say , hold [my]0-i silence . A thrill tickles [my]0-i spine … It had been hot . The way [he]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever ’d taken charge , even as everything inside of [me]0-i had insisted that [I]0-i stand up to [him]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever — not give in , not yet . [I]0-i had held [my]0-i own … and that … had seemed to seal the deal … It had been a risk to coerce [him]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever to lose control . [He]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever 'd taken the bait , come for [me]0-i , and [I]0-i 'd been sure [he]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever was going to fuck [me]0-i right there . The fact that it had taken place before [the entire assembled audience]597-the entire assembled audience … That had only turned [me]0-i on even more . Damn [him]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever , but [I]0-i 'd wanted [him]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever to claim [me]0-i then . Could n't resist the strength of [his]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever body which had covered [me]0-i , held [me]0-i down , helpless in [his]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever hold . [I]0-i ’d known [he]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever would n’t let anything hurt [me]0-i … No , [he]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever is saving that pleasure for [himself]592-one gazillionaire with the worst attitude ever . [I]0-i thrust [my]0-i forefinger into [my]0-i mouth , chew on [my]0-i fingernail … [My]0-i teeth dig into the soft pad of [my]0-i finger … " Ow . "[0-i] [I]0-i shake it out . " Have [you]599-she tried coating [your]599-she fingertips with salt ? "[0-i] [Amelie]62-weston flounces into [the room]319-the room" Or better still , chilies . "[599-she] [She]599-she holds a tray with two cups of steaming tea . In between them is a green chili . [I]0-i stare at it , then fold [my]0-i arms behind [my]0-i back . " No way , am [I]599-she rubbing that on [my]599-she fingertips . Knowing [my]599-she luck , [I]599-she ’d probably touch it to [my]599-she eyes instead . "[599-she] [She]599-she places the tray on the center table , then sinks into a sofa . " So … the plan did n’t work ? "[599-she] [I]0-i purse [my]0-i lips , shift [my]0-i weight between [my]0-i feet . " It did work ? "[599-she] " [I]599-she[I]599-she ’m not sure . "[599-she] [She]599-she frowns . " Explain . "[599-she] [I]0-i twist [my]0-i fingers together in front of [myself]0-i , " [He]2247-he , uh , asked [me]0-i to wait for [his]2247-he message . "[0-i] [She]599-she sits up , ” That ’s good , right ? "[599-she] " [He]2247-he has n’t called . "[0-i] " [He]2247-he will . "[599-she] [She]599-she leans forward and picks up [her]599-she Kindle . " [You]599-she sound sure , "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . [She]599-she shoots [me]0-i a glance . " [You]0-i do n’t sound convinced . "[599-she] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders . [She]599-she holds up [her]599-she Kindle . " Trust [me]599-she , [I]599-she have firsthand knowledge of how to play [a man]175-a man and reel [him]175-a man in . "[599-she] " Huh ? "[599-she] " Romance novels , [baby]2249-baby . ’ "[599-she] Oh . " [I]599-she blink . "[599-she] [You]0-i[you’re]0-i joking right ? " [Her]599-she eyes gleam . "[599-she] Have n’t [you]0-i read Fifty Shades of Grey ? " [I]599-she shake [my]599-she head . [Her]599-she mouth drops open . "[599-she] No way . " [I]599-she walk over , sink into the overstuffed armchair next to [her]599-she . "[599-she] [You]0-i could have fooled [me]0-i . " [She]599-she studies [me]0-i from toe to head . "[0-i] What ? " [She]599-she waves [her]599-she hand in the air , "[0-i] [You]0-i ’re so graceful ... [You]0-i practically ooze sex appeal . " "[0-i] [I]0-i do not . " [I]0-i fold [my]0-i arms around [my]0-i waist . "[0-i] Sure do . In fact , " [she]599-she scowls , "[0-i] every movement of [yours]0-i seems to be choreographed . Even wearing this outfit . " [I]0-i glance down at [my]0-i simple knee length sweaterdress ; [I]0-i 'd bought it at [a charity shop to keep [me]0-i warm in the [London]2-london weather]2250-a charity shop to keep me warm in the london weather . "[0-i] [You]0-i ’re so well put together . " [She]599-she says . [I]0-i bite [my]0-i lips . "[0-i] [[My]0-i ma]600-my ma loved black and white movies from old [Hollywood]13-hollywood . [I]0-i watched them all with [her]600-my ma . [I]0-i loved the old - world glamour , how beautiful and powerful [the heroines]601-the heroines seemed . [I]0-i guess [I]0-i internalized [their]601-the heroines mannerisms — how [they]601-the heroines walked , talked … flirted , " [I]601-the heroines lower [my]601-the heroines gaze , "[601-the heroines] seduced . " "[0-i] Ah , now that makes sense . " "[0-i] It does ? " "[0-i] [You]0-i have an old - world allure about [you]0-i . " [She]600-my ma places [her]600-my ma Kindle on the settee next to [her]600-my ma . "[0-i] An air that suggests [you]0-i are a challenge . " "[0-i] Does it now ? " "[0-i] Bet that ’s why [Saint]47-saint ca n’t help but be intrigued . " "[47-saint] Enough to keep [me]0-i waiting , huh ? " "[47-saint] [He]47-saint likes to play games … All the Seven do . " "[47-saint] And [you]0-i know [them]601-the heroines well ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ve only met [them]601-the heroines a couple of times , thanks to [Summer]44-summer , but [they]601-the heroines are [all men]602-all men at the top of [their]601-the heroines game , and [you]0-i ’ve set [your]0-i sights on the most intriguing of [them]601-the heroines . " [I]47-saint bite [my]47-saint lips . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint confuses [me]0-i . " "[47-saint] How ? " "[47-saint] [He]47-saint saw [me]0-i dancing , came barreling down from where [he]47-saint was . [He]47-saint marched up to [me]0-i , and [I]0-i swear , [I]0-i thought [he]47-saint was going to go all caveman and drag [me]0-i out of there . " "[47-saint] But [he]47-saint did n’t ? " [I]47-saint shake [my]47-saint head , pull [my]47-saint feet up under [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint seemed to change [his]47-saint mind , and decided to humiliate [me]0-i right there … . " "[47-saint] Then ? " [I]47-saint swipe [my]47-saint hair back from [my]47-saint face . "[47-saint] Then [he]47-saint stepped back , almost as if [he]47-saint was recalibrating [his]47-saint strategy . [He]47-saint accepted [my]0-i offer . " [She]2251-she blinks , then whoops , "[47-saint] So that 's good right ? " "[47-saint] Maybe . " [I]47-saint shift around in the chair , "[47-saint] [I]0-i may have overdone things . [He]47-saint seemed to get all jealous . So much so that [he]47-saint beat up [a man who charged up to [me]0-i]603-a man who charged up to me . " [She]2251-she sits up straight , "[47-saint] [He]47-saint did ? " [I]47-saint nod . "[47-saint] It was … " "[47-saint] Dramatic ? " [She]2251-she asks . "[47-saint] A surprise . " [I]47-saint shiver . "[47-saint] Guess [I]0-i simply knew what to say to intrigue [him]47-saint . " [She]2251-she tilts [her]2251-she head , "[0-i] [He]47-saint has a hidden side , huh ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i researched [him]47-saint before approaching [him]47-saint . " "[0-i] [You]0-i did ? " [I]0-i nod , "[0-i] There are enough pictures of [him]47-saint leaving [well - known BDSM clubs]604-well - known bdsm clubs . " "[0-i] Are [you]0-i worried that [you]0-i 're out of [your]0-i depth ? " [She]2251-she purses [her]2251-she lips . "[0-i] [You]0-i think [you]0-i 'll be able to handle the lifestyle ? " [I]0-i shuffle [my]0-i feet … "[0-i] Um , " [I]0-i glance at [her]2251-she , then away . Shit , [I]0-i revealed too much . How many times does [a person]2252-a person lie , before the lie becomes the truth ? Too many . And now [I]0-i am asking riddles and answering them , as if [I]0-i learned the technique at the feet of [the alphahole [himself]47-saint]2253-the alphahole himself . Shit . Get a grip . "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ve , uh , always been drawn to it . " [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ve never practiced it before … [I]0-i had n’t seriously thought of dipping [my]0-i toes into it , until [Saint]47-saint . " That much is true , at least . "[47-saint] So , [you]0-i chose [him]47-saint because [you]0-i were curious ? [I]0-i mean , [he]47-saint ’s not the only one of the Seven who has a hankering for that stuff , [you]0-i know ? " [I]0-i twist a strand of hair around [my]0-i fingers , "[0-i] [I]0-i chose [him]47-saint because ... " "[0-i] Because ? " [She]2254-she asks . It ’s so tempting to spill [my]0-i plan … the part that really matters . If [I]0-i could get it off [my]0-i chest to [even one person]2255-even one person , it would help [me]0-i feel lighter … [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth , then shake [my]0-i head . [I]0-i ca n’t . This part of [my]0-i plan ? It ’s the part that counts . It ’s also the one thing [I]0-i dare not speak openly about . Call [me]0-i superstitious , but [I]0-i do n’t want to spoil [my]0-i chances by revealing too much … too soon … "[0-i] Does n’t matter , " [I]0-i cut the air with [my]0-i hand . [Her]2256-her lips draw down , "[0-i] Aww , and it was getting interesting , too . " "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ll let [you]0-i know when there ’s something to talk about . " "[0-i] Promise ? " "[0-i] On the existence of [a fifth Beatle]605-a fifth beatle . " [I]0-i hold up [my]0-i hand . [She]2256-her scowls . "[0-i] There was n’t one . " "[0-i] [I]0-i know . " A smile twists [my]0-i lip . "[0-i] Not fair , [V.]78-v. " [I]606-i chuckle , "[606-i] Let ’s say , if [he]606-i does n’t call [me]0-i , [I]0-i am — " [My]606-i phone pings . [I]606-i glance at it and freeze . [Amelie]62-weston jumps to [her]607-her feet , crosses the floor to [me]606-i . "[606-i] It ’s [him]606-i , is n’t it ? " [I]606-i show [her]607-her the text .[606-i]

Alphahole : Come down .

Jesus , is there a shortage of words in [his]606-i vocabulary , or what ? " [Alphahole]79-alphahole ? "[607-her] [She]607-her chuckles . " Quite complimentary of [you]606-i to call [him]606-i that . "[607-her] " Not [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i choke out . " That ’s the rat ’s ass of [a jerk]2211-a jerk keying [his]606-i phone and ID into [my]0-i phone . "[0-i] " [He]606-i did that ? "[0-i] [I]0-i throw up [my]0-i hands . " [I]0-i know , stalkerish much ? "[0-i] A horn sounds from below and [she]607-her darts to the window . " There ’s [a car]2258-a car [there]220-there … all dark and shiny … OMG . "[607-her] [She]607-her turns . " [He]608-he ’s here , waiting by [the car]264-the car for [you]0-i . "[607-her] [Her]607-her voice is breathless , " This is exciting . This is what [you]0-i wanted , right ? "[607-her] [My]0-i fingers tremble . [I]0-i swallow . Is it ? Is this what [I]0-i ’d been hoping for ? [He]608-he ’s opened the door . [I]0-i only have to step through now . [I]0-i firm [my]0-i lips , look up at [her]607-her , " [I]0-i never keyed in [his]608-he name … "[0-i] [I]0-i purse [my]0-i lips . The only time [my]0-i purse had been out of [my]0-i sight was when [I]0-i had fallen asleep in [[his]608-he office]372-his office . Had [he]608-he hacked into it then ? [I]0-i would n't put it past [him]608-he . [He]608-he 's infringed on [my]0-i privacy … Which , is a positive sign , right ? It means [he]608-he is interested . [I]0-i force [my]0-i fingers to un - clutch from around the phone . Walking to the center table , [I]0-i pick up [my]0-i mug of tea , then sink into [my]0-i arm chair . [My]0-i phone pings again . [I]0-i glance down .

[Alphahole]79-alphahole : Do n’t keep [me]0-i waiting .

[I]0-i set [my]0-i jaw . The arrogance of [the man]207-the man . Of course , [I]0-i ’d had an inkling [he]207-the man ’d want to get [his]207-the man own way , but this … Expecting [me]0-i to drop everything and jump to [his]207-the man demands ? No way .

[My]0-i phone buzzes .

Alphahole : [I]0-i know what [you]0-i ’re doing and it wo n’t work . Alphahole : [You]0-i sure [you]0-i want to go down this path ? Alphahole : Do n’t make [me]0-i come up there . [You]0-i ’ll regret it .

[My]0-i heart beat ratchets up . [My]0-i pulse begins to race . Do n’t give in to [him]207-the man . Do n’t . There ’s a banging on the door . [I]0-i jump .

13

[Saint]47-saint

The door opens . [I]0-i glance down , then past [the blonde who stands there]611-the blonde who stands there , to [the dark - haired woman who ’s captured [my]0-i imagination]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination . [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head and [she]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination juts out [her]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination lower lip . Oh , [I]0-i ’d like to bite down on that glistening flesh and teach [her]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination who exactly calls the shots around here . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin and [she]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination crosses arms . " [Saint]47-saint . "[612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination] [I]0-i look down at [the blonde haired woman]613-the blonde haired woman , " How are [you]613-the blonde haired woman , [Amelie]62-weston ? "[612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination] [She]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination looks [me]0-i up and down , " [you]0-i here for [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination] [I]0-i try to move past [her]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination , [she]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination plants an arm either side of the door frame . [I]0-i pause , glance down at [her]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination , " Is there a problem ? "[0-i] [She]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination frowns , " [you]0-i tell [me]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination . "[612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination] [She]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination taps [her]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination foot on the floor , " Is there , [Saint]47-saint ? "[612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination] Huh ? " What do [you]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination mean ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl . " [You]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination treat [her]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination good . "[612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination] [She]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination lowers [her]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination voice . " [You]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination hear [me]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination ? "[612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination] [I]0-i meet [her]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination gaze , allow [my]0-i features to take on an expression of sincerity . " Always . "[0-i] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hand , " [you]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination can trust [me]0-i to do what 's right for [her]612-the dark - haired woman who ’s captured my imagination . "[0-i] [I]0-i say honestly . " [Amelie]62-weston . "[0-i] [Victoria]108-victoria springs to [her]108-victoria feet , then crosses [the room]319-the room . " [You]108-victoria were leaving , were n’t [you]108-victoria ? "[108-victoria] " Was [I]62-weston ? "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston frowns , then turns around . [Victoria]108-victoria nods , " Yes , [you]108-victoria were . "[108-victoria] [Amelia]64-amelia takes in a breath , [Victoria]108-victoria ’s gaze widens , and [Amelie]62-weston tosses [her]615-her head . " Fine , be like that , [V]70-v , but [you]70-v owe [me]62-weston . "[62-weston] [Victoria]108-victoria ’s mouth curves in a smile . [Her]108-victoria features light up . [I]0-i blink . [She]108-victoria 's fucking beautiful . [I]0-i want [her]108-victoria to smile like that at [me]0-i . The hell am [I]0-i thinking ? [I]0-i draw [myself]0-i up to [my]0-i full height . [Her]108-victoria green eyes twinkle , " [I]108-victoria promise [I]108-victoria ’ll make it up to [you]0-i . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria says . [Amelie]62-weston nods . [She]108-victoria marches to the crowded table in [the center of [the room]319-the room]616-the center of the room , and picks up a handbag . Turning , [she]108-victoria moves toward [me]0-i . " [You]0-i better not hurt [her]108-victoria . "[108-victoria] " [Amelie]62-weston ! "[108-victoria] [Victoria]108-victoria ’s mouth falls open . [I]0-i chuckle , " [I]0-i wo n’t do anything to [her]108-victoria … "[0-i] [Amelie]62-weston frowns , then jerks [her]108-victoria chin . " [I]108-victoria promise . "[108-victoria] [I]0-i glance down at [Amelie]62-weston . " [I]108-victoria 'll hold [you]108-victoria to that . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria scowls , then brushes past [me]0-i . [I]0-i straighten , " Nothing that [she]108-victoria does n’t want [me]0-i to , that is . "[0-i] [Victoria]108-victoria stiffens . " What was that ? "[0-i] [I]0-i saunter [inside]618-inside , " Oh , [you]108-victoria heard [me]0-i all right , so do n’t pretend otherwise . "[0-i] The door closes behind [me]0-i with a snick . [Victoria]108-victoria pales . [I]0-i prowl forward ; [she]108-victoria takes another step back . [I]0-i reach [her]108-victoria and [she]108-victoria stumbles to put space between [us]619-us ; [her]108-victoria hip grazes the window sill . [She]108-victoria stiffens . " [You]0-i afraid ? "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria raises [her]108-victoria head , " No . "[108-victoria] [I]0-i swoop down , grab [her]108-victoria waist , and twirl [her]108-victoria so [she]108-victoria faces the window pane . [She]108-victoria squeaks . [I]0-i lean in , slap [my]0-i hands on either side of [her]108-victoria , " [I]0-i hate [liars]2261-liars . "[0-i] " [I]108-victoria ’m … "[108-victoria] [her]108-victoria breath hitches , " not lying . "[108-victoria] [I]0-i step back , so quickly [she]108-victoria flinches . Then turn [my]0-i body , so [I]0-i am at right angles with [her]108-victoria . " Last chance . "[0-i] [Her]108-victoria spine stiffens and [she]108-victoria shoots [me]0-i a glance . " Told [you]0-i , [I]108-victoria ’m not . "[108-victoria] [My]0-i palm connects with [her]108-victoria butt with such force that [her]108-victoria body jolts forward and [she]108-victoria braces [herself]108-victoria on the window . [Her]108-victoria cheeks turn fiery . " How … how dare [you]0-i ? "[108-victoria] " Do n’t challenge [me]108-victoria . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria opens [her]108-victoria mouth and [I]0-i bring [my]0-i hand down on [her]108-victoria arse again . [Her]108-victoria shoulders jerk ; [her]108-victoria breathing grows ragged . [My]0-i dick is instantly hard . [She]108-victoria turns around , bites [her]108-victoria lips , then [her]108-victoria gaze narrows with intensity . [She]108-victoria makes a low sound deep in [her]108-victoria throat . [Her]108-victoria fingers flex . Every part of [her]108-victoria tenses , until [she]108-victoria ’s fairly vibrating with anger . [I]0-i chuckle . " It ’s not funny . "[0-i] " [You]0-i 're right . "[0-i] [I]0-i draw [my]0-i gaze from [her]108-victoria hair messed about [her]108-victoria shoulders , down to the turn of [her]108-victoria dainty ankles . " What it is , is fucking arousing . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria pulls back [her]108-victoria shoulders , " This is all a joke to [you]0-i , is n’t it ? "[108-victoria] " On the contrary , "[0-i] [I]0-i flex [my]0-i fingers . [She]108-victoria swallows . [I]0-i crack [my]0-i neck . [Her]108-victoria pupils dilate . " [I]108-victoria take disciplining [you]0-i seriously . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria raises [her]108-victoria nose , " Forget it , it ’s off , it ’s … "[108-victoria] " Turn around , face the window . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria scowls . " Do it . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria firms [her]108-victoria lips . " Now . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria swivels to face forward . [I]0-i plant [my]0-i feet between [her]108-victoria legs , shove them apart . [Her]108-victoria spine arches and [her]108-victoria shoulders knot . [I]0-i wait … wait … A gust of wind blows through the open window . [Her]108-victoria hair flows about [her]108-victoria face . [She]108-victoria half turns . " Why the hell do n’t [you]0-i — ? "[108-victoria] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hand and spank [her]108-victoria arse . [She]108-victoria huffs . And again . [Her]108-victoria knuckles whiten and [her]108-victoria face falls forward . " Stop . "[108-victoria] " Shut up . "[0-i] [I]0-i slap [her]108-victoria rounded flesh again and a low moan bleeds from [her]108-victoria lips . All the blood drains to [my]0-i groin , [my]0-i cock lengthens , and [my]0-i balls grow heavy . Jesus , fuck . [I]0-i ’ve barely touched [her]108-victoria , and [I]0-i already want to be inside of [her]108-victoria . [I]0-i need to get ahold of [myself]0-i . Need to stop [her]108-victoria little cries from coiling in [my]0-i belly , from affecting [my]0-i presence of mind … Focus , focus , on [her]108-victoria . [Her]108-victoria needs . What [she]108-victoria desires . Only [her]108-victoria . [I]0-i spank [her]108-victoria again and [her]108-victoria entire body trembles . Once more . [Her]108-victoria legs buckle . [She]108-victoria straightens , then draws [herself]108-victoria up to [her]108-victoria full height . " Do n’t ever question [me]108-victoria again . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria stays silent . " Get [me]108-victoria ? "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria jerks [her]108-victoria head . " Say it . "[108-victoria] " Yes . "[108-victoria] " Yes what ? "[108-victoria] " Yes … [Sir]2262-sir . "[108-victoria] " [Good girl]2094-good girl . "[108-victoria] [Her]108-victoria pupils dilate . Shit , [she]108-victoria liked that . [I]0-i had n’t meant to compliment [her]108-victoria yet . [She]108-victoria has to work for it . [I]0-i have to make this challenging on [her]108-victoria , else [she]108-victoria ’ll see right through [me]0-i . " Let ’s get out of here . "[108-victoria] [I]0-i pivot , stalk to the door . " Wait . "[0-i] [I]0-i keep walking . " Wait , please … [Sir]2262-sir . "[0-i] [I]0-i pause . " What is it ? "[0-i] " [You]108-victoria are aware that [you]108-victoria need to get to know [me]0-i first , right ? "[0-i] [I]0-i shoot [her]108-victoria a glance . " What does that mean ? "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria locks [her]108-victoria fingers together , " As [a Dom]2265-a dom[You]0-i need to understand [me]108-victoria as [a person]2252-a person before [you]0-i … "[108-victoria] " Before [I]108-victoria start training [you]0-i ? "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria nods . " Too bad , this is how [I]108-victoria do it . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria frowns , tucks [her]108-victoria elbows into [her]108-victoria sides . " [You]108-victoria know [you]108-victoria ’re acting like [a selfish prick]2267-a selfish prick , do n’t [you]108-victoria ? "[108-victoria] " Took [you]0-i this long to figure that out , [Sweetheart]76-sweetheart ? "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria brings [her]108-victoria fingers up to [her]108-victoria mouth , then tucks them behind [her]108-victoria back , " So now what ? [I]108-victoria follow [you]0-i ? "[108-victoria] " Yes . "[108-victoria] " What about [my]108-victoria clothes , [my]108-victoria things ? "[108-victoria] " Leave them . "[108-victoria] " What ? "[108-victoria] [I]0-i yawn , " Did [you]108-victoria forget that [you]108-victoria ’re [mine]0-i for the next 30 days ? "[0-i] [I]0-i do n’t get it , what do [we]620-we do for this much time ? " [I]0-i smirk . [She]108-victoria flushes . "[0-i] [My]0-i , [my]0-i , what a filthy mind [you]0-i have , [[my]0-i little Gigi]621-my little gigi . " [She]108-victoria draws [herself]108-victoria up to [her]108-victoria full height , "[0-i] Do n’t call [me]0-i that . " [I]0-i plant [my]0-i hands on [my]0-i hips , "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ll call [you]0-i what [I]0-i want , when [I]0-i want , and [you]0-i ’ll answer to it . " [She]108-victoria bites [her]108-victoria lower lip and [my]0-i gaze drops to the pulsing flesh . A growl rips from [me]0-i , "[0-i] Any more questions ? " [She]108-victoria tips up [her]108-victoria chin , "[0-i] [I]0-i 'm not leaving without proper footwear . " Before [I]0-i can say anything , [she]108-victoria marches over to the shoe rack by the door , and exchanges [her]108-victoria ballet pumps for stilettos . Images of taking [her]108-victoria from behind when [she]108-victoria 's dressed in nothing but those heels fill [my]0-i mind . Fuck . [She]108-victoria turns to [me]0-i . "[0-i] Well ? " [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head . [She]108-victoria glances to the side , then back at [me]0-i . [I]0-i draw in a breath . Patience , patience . "[0-i] Out with it . " “[0-i] [My]0-i phone . " [I]0-i follow [her]108-victoria gaze to the device on the armrest of the only chair in [the room]319-the room . "[0-i] What are [you]0-i waiting for ? Take it with [you]0-i , will [you]0-i ? "[0-i]

Half an hour later , [I]0-i ease [[my]0-i car]2089-my car up to the curb in front of [Selfridges]14-selfridges . " Wow , [the place]569-the place has n’t changed at all . "[623-her] [She]623-her peers up through the window . " Why should it ? [It]569-the place ’s [a hundred - year - old department store]2270-a hundred - year - old department store ; tradition is what it ’s all about . "[623-her] " Is that what [you]0-i like ? "[623-her] [She]623-her turns to [me]0-i , " Tradition ? "[623-her] " Money . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn off the engine . " And everything it can buy . That ’s what [I]0-i like . "[0-i] " Ca n’t fault [your]0-i taste in [vehicles]2271-vehicles . "[623-her] [She]623-her runs [her]623-her fingers over the dash and [my]0-i cock instantly twitches . Fuck , this reaction to [her]623-her every move is crazy . [I]0-i reach for the car door , " [You]623-her like [[my]0-i chariot]2272-my chariot ? "[0-i] " Chariot ? "[623-her] [She]623-her shakes [her]623-her head . " Whatever . Please do n’t answer that . And what ’s not to like ? "[623-her] [She]623-her opens the car door on [her]623-her side , " It ’s [a macho car]2273-a macho car . "[623-her] " [I]623-her ’m [a macho man]2274-a macho man . "[623-her] [She]623-her blows out a breath . " [I]623-her should have seen that coming . "[623-her] [She]623-her steps out . [I]0-i follow suit , zap the doors locked , then walk around to [her]623-her . " [You]0-i prefer to drive [yourself]0-i ? "[623-her] [she]623-her asks . " Always . "[623-her] [I]0-i glance down at [her]623-her . " [I]0-i never trust [another man]218-another man with [my]0-i possessions . "[0-i] [She]623-her brings [her]623-her fingers up to [her]623-her mouth , chews on a fingernail . The way [her]623-her mouth sucks on [her]623-her digit ... Fuck [me]0-i . The blood drains to [my]0-i groin . How the hell do [I]0-i get [her]623-her to stop that , huh ? [I]0-i swoop out [my]0-i hand and grab [her]623-her wrist . " Bad habit , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " So are [you]623-her . "[0-i] [She]623-her tosses [her]623-her head . [I]0-i chuckle . " [We]2276-we agree on something there . "[0-i] [I]0-i bring [her]623-her hand to [my]0-i lips , suck on the very same fingertip that [she]623-her had placed inside [her]623-her mouth . [She]623-her swallows , " Uh , can [I]623-her have [my]623-her hand back ? "[623-her] " Never . "[623-her] [I]0-i lower [her]623-her hand , weave [my]0-i fingers through [hers]623-her because … Why the hell not ? Then stalk into [the department store]624-the department store . Once inside , [I]0-i release [my]0-i hold on [her]623-her , instantly missing how [her]623-her small hand felt in [mine]0-i . Soft , fragile ; to be treasured and protected . Ridiculous . [I]0-i prowl forward , leaving [her]623-her to dawdle behind . [She]623-her glances around [the aisles]625-the aisles , [the displays]626-the displays , then pauses . " [Saint]47-saint ? "[0-i] [I]0-i continue on . " This is ridiculous , "[623-her] [she]623-her mumbles . " What did [you]623-her say ? "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " [I]0-i meant … uh ! [Sir]2262-sir ? "[0-i] [My]0-i dick instantly twitches . " [You]0-i may speak . "[0-i] " Where is [everyone]2130-everyone ? "[623-her] " Gone . "[0-i] [I]0-i increase [my]0-i pace . [Her]623-her footsteps speed up . " What do [you]0-i mean , gone ? It ’s the weekend , not to mention the first week of December . The busiest time of the year for [shoppers]2279-shoppers … "[623-her] " So ? "[0-i] [I]0-i pause and [she]623-her almost stumbles into [my]0-i back . [My]0-i fingers twitch to help [her]623-her , so [I]0-i tuck [my]0-i arms in [my]0-i sides . [She]623-her scowls , then draws [herself]623-her up to [her]623-her full height . " So where are [the customers]2280-the customers , [the salespeople]2281-the salespeople ? "[623-her] " [I]623-her told [them]2280-the customers [I]623-her was coming . "[623-her] " Ah ! "[623-her] [Her]623-her gulp is audible . " So … so [they]2280-the customers cleared out [the place]569-the place ? "[623-her] " Yep . "[623-her] [She]623-her stares , " What about the business [they]2280-the customers ’ll lose ? "[623-her] " What about the business [they]2280-the customers ’ll gain from [me]623-her and [the rest of [the Seven]2150-the seven]2149-the rest of the seven ? "[623-her] " Right . "[623-her] [She]623-her marches ahead . " [Victoria]108-victoria . "[623-her] [She]623-her does n’t turn back . " [Gigi]53-gigi . "[623-her] [Her]623-her shoulders stiffen , and [I]0-i ca n’t stop [my]0-i lips from quirking . So fucking prickly . " Stop or [you]0-i ’ll regret it . "[623-her] [She]623-her tosses [her]623-her head , " [I]623-her am regretting ever coming to [you]0-i . "[623-her] " Admit it . [You]0-i ’re secretly looking forward to what [I]623-her am going to do to [you]0-i . "[623-her] " Yeah , sure , [I]623-her spend all [my]623-her days and nights wondering only about that . "[623-her] " [I]623-her knew it . "[623-her] [She]623-her jerks [her]623-her head around to stare at [me]0-i , " Do [you]0-i believe everything that feeds [your]0-i ego ? "[623-her] " Always . "[623-her] [Her]623-her gaze widens , " It ’s useless having a conversation with [you]0-i . "[623-her] [I]0-i prowl toward [her]623-her , stopping so close to [her]623-her that [my]0-i shoes bump [her]623-her ballet pumps . " [Poor Victoria]108-victoria , always so in control , always knows [her]623-her mind and what [she]623-her wants … . Or so [she]623-her thinks . "[0-i] [She]623-her tips [her]623-her head back , all the way back , " [I]623-her do n’t think , [I]623-her know . "[623-her] " What [you]0-i are , is too damn uptight . "[623-her] [She]623-her grits [her]623-her teeth . " See , that ’s what [I]623-her mean . "[623-her] [I]0-i whisper [my]0-i knuckles over [her]623-her jaw and [her]623-her breath hitches . " [You]0-i ’re too focused on containing all of that passion inside of [you]0-i . [You]0-i think [you]0-i want to direct the course of [your]0-i actions , when all along , [you]0-i ’ve been waiting for [someone]236-someone to come along who can force [you]0-i to relinquish control . "[0-i] " And [I]0-i suppose [you]623-her think that [someone]236-someone is [you]623-her ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i do n’t think so . "[0-i] [I]0-i drop [my]0-i head until [my]0-i lips are poised above [hers]623-her . " [I]0-i know so . "[0-i] [I]0-i close [my]0-i mouth over [hers]623-her .

14

[Victoria]108-victoria

Step away , turn away . Break this stupid sham of an arrangement or whatever the hell it is and run the hell away from [him]627-he . [His]627-he lips meet [mine]0-i , fuse , clasp . [I]0-i will not give in , will not open to [him]627-he . [He]627-he swipes [his]627-he tongue across [my]0-i mouth and goosebumps flare on [my]0-i skin . [He]627-he tilts [his]627-he head , nibbles on [my]0-i lower lip . Heat flashes low in [my]0-i belly . The heat from [his]627-he body swoops around [me]0-i , curls into [me]0-i , draws [me]0-i closer , closer . [He]627-he opens [his]627-he mouth , sucking on [mine]0-i , asking , demanding , insisting … A groan bleeds from [me]0-i . [I]0-i part [my]0-i lips and [he]627-he deepens the kiss . [He]627-he simply takes . [His]627-he tongue tangles with [mine]0-i ; [he]627-he drinks from [me]0-i . Fills [my]0-i senses with [his]627-he dark edgy scent , the hardness of [his]627-he body a shield against the world . The dominance of [his]627-he posture pushes down on [my]0-i shoulders , holds [me]0-i in place . A growl rumbles up [his]627-he chest , and [my]0-i nipples pebble into painful tips . [My]0-i sex clenches ; [my]0-i toes curl . [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hands to [his]627-he shoulders , dig [my]0-i fingertips into those corded muscles — seeking , wanting . [He]627-he tears [his]627-he mouth from [mine]0-i and steps back . Cool air assails [my]0-i face , the flushed skin of [my]0-i neck . " So , [I]627-he was right . "[627-he] [I]0-i lower [my]0-i hands to [my]0-i side , blink , sway . " What do [you]627-he mean ? "[0-i] " [Your]0-i control will be [mine]0-i , [Victoria]108-victoria , "[627-he] [He]627-he brushes past [me]0-i and [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head to clear it . By the time [I]0-i turn around , [he]627-he ’s striding away and toward [the elevator]628-the elevator . [He]627-he stabs the button and the doors glide open . Of course , even the cage doors would obey [him]627-he . But [I]0-i wo n’t . Not if it ’s the last thing [I]0-i do . [He]627-he steps inside , then turns , " Coming ? "[627-he] As [I]0-i approach [him]627-he , the doors slide toward each other . " What the hell ? "[627-he] [My]0-i jaw drops open . [He]627-he jerks [his]627-he chin up , " See [you]0-i on [the third floor]2287-the third floor . Do n’t keep [me]627-he waiting . "[627-he] The doors close , leaving [me]0-i behind . [Asshole]60-asshole shut the escalator doors in [my]0-i face ? [I]0-i ca n’t even … How dare [he]627-he ? Anger pulses in [my]0-i veins and adrenaline laces [my]0-i blood . [I]0-i curl [my]0-i fingers into fists … [He]627-he did it . Purposely . To rile [me]0-i . To get under [my]0-i skin . [I]0-i will not let [him]627-he unnerve [me]0-i . Will not allow [him]627-he to break through the barriers [I]0-i ’ve put up against [the world]212-the world . Self - preservation . Holding onto what is [mine]0-i . [I]0-i wo n’t let [him]627-he in . Will never allow [him]627-he to see the real [me]0-i . Oh , [two]387-two can play this game . [He]627-he can push . And [I]0-i can pretend … to give in to [him]627-he . Enough to get what [I]0-i want from [him]627-he : [Nina]52-nina 's freedom , and [mine]0-i . And a little bit more . A piece of [myself]0-i that only belongs to [me]0-i . That [I]0-i ’ll never share with [him]627-he . Yes , that is only right . [I]0-i intend to walk away from this mess with a tangible result ; one that [I]0-i can stake a claim on . One which [no - one else]631-no - one else — not [the Mafia]314-the mafia , not [Saint]47-saint — can take away from [me]0-i . That is the way out . The ultimate control over [my]0-i future and [his]627-he , and [I]0-i ’ll own it . [I]0-i ’ll have the last laugh . [I]0-i pivot , walk toward [the escalators]633-the escalators . When [I]0-i reach [the third floor]2287-the third floor , the same eerie emptiness greets [me]0-i . [Beautiful displays]635-beautiful displays , mannequins with gorgeous dresses . The scent of expensive perfume lingers in the air . Jasmine , roses , and a more seductive note ... Pinewood maybe ? ... With a darker edge of ... Chocolate ? [I]0-i glance around and realize that [I]0-i have followed the scent up [the corridor]339-the corridor . Counters on each side display designer clothes , sun wear , formal clothes . [I]0-i reach a double door at the end , and when [I]0-i touch one of the handles , the door slides open . [My]0-i heart begins to race . [I]0-i stop at the rack of dresses , drag [my]0-i finger down the array : green , blue , pink … all colors except black . [I]0-i reach the end , fingers poised over a vermillion sheath . [I]0-i hesitate . " Try it on . "[0-i] [I]0-i spin around and watch as [the man [I]0-i ’ve come to resent]637-the man i ’ve come to resent steps through the door . It snicks shut behind [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent . The hair on [my]0-i nape rises . " Go on . It ’s all for [you]637-the man i ’ve come to resent . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] " For [me]0-i ? "[0-i] [My]0-i voice trembles . Hell , [I]0-i hate that [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent has this effect on [me]0-i . And after what [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent did earlier ... Allowing the elevator doors to close in [my]0-i face ... [I]0-i should simply leave . But what is the point ? [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ’ll simply track [me]0-i down . No doubt about it . No , best not to show how much [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent upset [me]0-i with that gesture , and [I]0-i ’m not sure why . It ’s not the worst thing [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ’s done to [me]0-i , but maybe [I]0-i ’d expected more from [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ? Maybe a more gentlemanly approach ? Right . [Saint]47-saint may have been brought up in wealth . [He]47-saint may have gone to [the best schools]638-the best schools . But underneath [that cultivated man - of - the - world façade]639-that cultivated man - of - the - world façade , [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent is [a rake]640-a rake , [a man who does n’t care about worldly pretenses]641-a man who does n’t care about worldly pretenses . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent takes what [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent wants . No apologies . Is that what attracted [me]0-i to [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ? Not only … It ’s [the Mafia]314-the mafia ’s mandate , of course , that [I]0-i win [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent over . Although , [I]0-i ’m not sure that ’s going to be possible . But [I]0-i can keep [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent occupied , take [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent mind off [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent work , [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent business interests , try to keep [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent close . And this uncomfortable friction between [us]643-us can only help , right ? [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent crosses the floor to drop into an armchair positioned at the far end of [the room]319-the room . " Do n’t keep [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent waiting , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] A shiver runs down [my]0-i spine . It ’s the first time [anyone]280-anyone has had a nickname for [me]0-i . [I]0-i ’ve always been [Victoria]108-victoria before this … Had insisted [people]2061-people call [me]0-i by [my]0-i full name . [Saint]47-saint[He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ’d smoothly transitioned to calling [me]0-i by a completely different name and somehow it felt … Right ? Does n’t matter . This is all temporary , until [I]0-i have what [I]0-i want . For now , [I]0-i ’ll give [the devil]647-the devil what [he]647-the devil wants … Pretend ; that ’s all [you]648-you need to do . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent nods toward [the space in front of [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent]649-the space in front of him . [I]0-i stiffen [my]0-i spine . Head toward it . " With the dress . "[0-i] [I]0-i draw in a breath , turn and snatch the beautiful material off the hangar . Soft , smooth , the dress whispers between [my]0-i fingers . [I]0-i dig [my]0-i fingertips into the cloth , then pivot and march to the center . [I]0-i face the mirror , meet [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent gaze in the reflection . [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent blue eyes flare . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent leans back , folds one leg over the other . " Strip . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] " What ? "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent grabs [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ankle , holding [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent leg in place . " [You]0-i heard [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] " [You]637-the man i ’ve come to resent want [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent to take off [my]637-the man i ’ve come to resent clothes ? "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent glares at [me]0-i and a frisson of anticipation grips [me]0-i . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent lowers [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent brows and [my]0-i fingers tremble . [I]0-i draw in a breath , hold [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent gaze . " Unless [you]637-the man i ’ve come to resent want [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent to … "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent places [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent feet on the ground . " No , [I]637-the man i ’ve come to resent[I]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ’ll do it . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [I]0-i glance around for a space to put the dress . " Drop it . "[0-i] [I]0-i let the fabric whisper from between [my]0-i fingers . It pools in shimmering layers of crimson at [my]0-i feet . [I]0-i straighten . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ’s seen most of [you]650-you already , so what does this matter ? That was … in front of [a crowd]651-a crowd . This … Alone with [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent in [a room]652-a room ... It feels ... more intimate . Like [I]0-i am putting on a show for [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent , which [I]0-i am . Which is daunting , and damn [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent , also more arousing … Which is what [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent intended [me]0-i to feel , no doubt . Asshole . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent probably knows exactly how it will make [me]0-i feel . Doing one more thing out of [my]0-i comfort zone . One step closer to the edge … Closer to the deep darkness that laps at [my]0-i mind , calls to [me]0-i , pulls at [me]0-i , tugs on [me]0-i . " Do n’t keep [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent waiting . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent voice lowers to a hush and [my]0-i nerve - endings pop . [I]0-i reach for the button on the back of the dress , undo it . Tug at the zipper , which slithers down , baring the skin between the two halves . Goosebumps flare on [my]0-i skin . [I]0-i sense [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent gaze following [my]0-i gestures , as [I]0-i tug one sleeve down [my]0-i shoulder , then the other . The dress slithers down to pool around [my]0-i ankles . [I]0-i kick it out of the way . Do n’t look up , do n’t . [I]0-i glance up at the mirror and [our]653-our gazes clash . [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent eyes are darker , deeper , like pools of desire locked in droplets of ice . [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent nostrils flare ; [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent chest rises and falls . Ah ! So , [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent is n’t as impervious as [I]0-i ’d thought [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent to be either . Holding [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent gaze , [I]0-i reach for the straps of [my]0-i bra , undo them . They whisper down [my]0-i breasts , catch on [my]0-i nipples . [I]0-i draw in a breath and [my]0-i breasts heave . The nylon slides down [my]0-i arms , baring [my]0-i torso completely . [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent fingers clench around [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ankle . [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent jaw tics . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent jerks [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent chin toward [my]0-i panties . What the — ! [I]0-i do n't need to remove them to try on the dress . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent glares at [me]0-i and [I]0-i shiver . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent tilts [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent head , [I]0-i dip [my]0-i fingers into the waistband of [my]0-i panties , watch as [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent shoulders tense . [I]0-i lower the scrap of fabric down [my]0-i thighs , to [my]0-i ankles . The blue in [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent eyes deepens until it seems black . Color flushes [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent skin . " Stay there . "[0-i] [I]0-i freeze , watch [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent in the mirror as [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent rises to [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent feet , approaches [me]0-i . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent pauses behind [me]0-i . [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent gaze holds [mine]0-i in the mirror . [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent big body dwarfs [mine]0-i[me]0-i bent over , fingers entangled in [my]0-i panties . " Hold [your]0-i ankles . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [I]0-i swallow and [my]0-i breathing deepens . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent has n’t touched [me]0-i , but [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent peruses [my]0-i position — open , bare , [my]0-i most intimate parts on display . One side of [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent lips curls , " [You]0-i do not want to challenge [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent , not now . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] Damn [the man]207-the man , and [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ability to reduce [me]0-i to a quivering mess . " Do it , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent voice slips into [my]0-i skin , warms [my]0-i blood , coils in [those deepest , most secret places of [mine]0-i]655-those deepest , most secret places of mine , where [I]0-i ’ve never allowed [anyone else]369-anyone else . Not [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent either . Never . [I]0-i steel [my]0-i spine , curve [my]0-i fingers around [my]0-i ankles . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent drags a knuckle down [my]0-i spine and [I]0-i shudder . [My]0-i knees almost give way . [I]0-i must have moaned or made some incoherent cry , for [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent stills . " Shh . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent grips [my]0-i hip to steady [me]0-i . " [You]0-i ’re doing so well , do n’t spoil it . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] A fire lights somewhere inside of [me]0-i . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent praised [me]0-i and insulted [me]0-i in the same breath . Only [Saint]47-saint could do that . [Simultaneous]81-simultaneous push - [me]0-i and pull - [me]0-i , irritate [me]0-i and pleasure [me]0-i . [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , open [my]0-i mouth to speak . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent dips a finger in [my]0-i pussy . [I]0-i gasp . What the — ? " [You]0-i could have warned [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent , [you]0-i — "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent slides [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent finger inside [my]0-i channel . [I]0-i huff . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent adds two more digits . Too much , too full , [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent has to stop , [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ca n’t do this , [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent[he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent twists [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent fingers , hitting that spot deep inside . [My]0-i toes curl ; [my]0-i scalp tingles . [My]0-i entire body seems to lengthen , [my]0-i hips arching up , enveloping even more of [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent wicked fingers . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent pulls out , only to stuff [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent fingers back in . A groan bubbles up [my]0-i throat . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i head , [my]0-i hair falls around [my]0-i face , and [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i grip around [my]0-i ankles . [I]0-i can not give in , can not . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent rubs [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent thumb on [my]0-i clit and a trembling zips up [my]0-i legs . " Please … "[0-i] [I]0-i mumble . What am [I]0-i begging for ? Why am [I]0-i asking [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent for more ? Keep quiet , do n’t show [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent how much this is affecting [you]657-you . How could [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent have found [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent way right through to the secret core of [me]0-i ? " [Saint]47-saint , please . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] " How many ? "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent voice shoves through the noise in [my]0-i head . " What ? "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] " How many [men]2104-men have [you]47-saint had ? "[0-i] [I]0-i crack open [my]0-i heavy eyelids , try to peer through the heavy blanket of [my]0-i hair . " Tell [me]0-i , [Victoria]108-victoria . How many have fucked [you]47-saint [here]260-here ? "[0-i] Anger flares inside , then crashes with the desire . " What ’s it to [you]47-saint ? "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent muscles stiffen , tension shimmers off of [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent frame . " Everything about [you]47-saint is [my]637-the man i ’ve come to resent business . Tell [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent , or so help [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent , [I]637-the man i ’ve come to resent am going to pull out [my]637-the man i ’ve come to resent fingers and — leave [you]47-saint aching and wanting . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] [I]0-i hesitate . [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent fingers leave [me]0-i . [My]0-i pussy spasms , needing , hurting . Empty , so empty . [I]0-i cry out . " Three … [[you]637-the man i ’ve come to resent bastard]2101-you bastard . Three . Is that enough ? "[0-i] " Including [[your]0-i husband]2055-your husband ? "[0-i] Tears prick the backs of [my]0-i eyes . [Fucking Saint]47-saint . [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent had to ask that question , did n’t [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ? " Answer [me]637-the man i ’ve come to resent . "[637-the man i ’ve come to resent] " What do [you]0-i think ? "[0-i] [I]0-i think [Adam Rhodes]43-adam did n’t give a bloody fuck about [you]0-i , " [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent growls . A chuckle trembles from [my]43-adam lips . "[43-adam] So , [I]0-i ’m right ? " [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent asks . [I]0-i nod . [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent gaze intensifies , "[0-i] But [he]43-adam fucked [you]0-i ? " "[43-adam] [He]43-adam … did [his]43-adam husbandly duties , if that ’s what [you]0-i ’re asking . " [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent fingers tighten on [my]43-adam waist . "[43-adam] Did [you]0-i love [him]43-adam ? " [His]637-the man i ’ve come to resent voice is impersonal as if [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ’s interrogating a business prospect . Cut . Dry . Everything is so fucking black and white for [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent . If [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent only knew the choices [I]0-i ’d had to face . "[0-i] Did [you]0-i ? " "[0-i] No . " [I]0-i hear [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent release a breath . Why should it matter to [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent if [I]0-i ’d wanted [[someone]236-someone before [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent]2293-someone before him ? Not that [I]0-i want [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent either . Of course , not . "[0-i] Thank [you]0-i for sharing that . " What the — ? Is be being polite ? "[0-i] [I]0-i gave [you]0-i what [you]0-i wanted . " The words tumble from [my]0-i lips . "[0-i] Are [you]0-i satisfied ? " "[0-i] Not yet . " [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent brushes [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent knuckles past [my]0-i slit . Pinpricks of pleasure dart up [my]0-i spine . Damn [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent and [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent touch . Why is [my]0-i body so damned responsive to [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent ? Why did it have to be [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent who could elicit this reaction from [me]0-i when [no one else]2294-no one else can ? [He]637-the man i ’ve come to resent teases [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent finger into [my]0-i back hole and everything inside of [me]0-i tenses . No . No . "[0-i] Yes , " [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent growls . "[0-i] Here … How many have had [you]0-i here , [[my]0-i impudent little wannabe sub]658-my impudent little wannabe sub ? " "[658-my impudent little wannabe sub] Ah ! " [I]658-my impudent little wannabe sub stutter . "[658-my impudent little wannabe sub] Tell [me]0-i , or [I]0-i swear [I]0-i ’m leaving . " The heat from [his]637-the man i ’ve come to resent body recedes again . [I]0-i gasp . "[0-i] Stop . [I]0-i ’ll tell [you]0-i . " [I]0-i sense [him]637-the man i ’ve come to resent still . Wait . Wait . [I]0-i swallow . [My]0-i fingers spasm . [My]0-i thigh muscles bunch . If [I]0-i do this , [I]0-i am giving away one more part of [myself]0-i . Another secret that will no longer belong to [me]0-i . Another thing [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent can hold over [me]0-i . Another weapon [he]637-the man i ’ve come to resent can use against [me]0-i . "[0-i] Now , [Victoria]108-victoria . " [I]108-victoria gulp , then squeeze [my]108-victoria eyes shut . "[108-victoria] [No one]2059-no one , " [I]0-i whisper . "[0-i] [You]0-i[You]0-i ’ll be the first . "[0-i]

15

Saint

The first . The only ? The fuck am [I]0-i thinking ? Why does it mean so much to [me]0-i to mark [her]660-her in a way that [no one]2059-no one has before ? [I]0-i ’ve had [[my]0-i share of [women]2103-women]662-my share of women , certainly never expected [any one of [[my]0-i partners]665-my partners]664-any one of my partners to come to [me]0-i untouched … So why am [I]0-i asking something of [her]660-her that seems so out of character ? It ’s [her]660-her . [She]660-her is shattering [my]0-i control . [I]0-i told [her]660-her that [I]0-i would break [her]660-her down ; [I]0-i had n’t counted on the impact [she]660-her ’d have on [me]0-i . [I]0-i have to get back in the lead , have to wrest back [my]0-i hard - earned self - restraint . Only one way to do it . [I]0-i drop to [my]0-i knees . [Her]660-her entire body freezes . [I]0-i lick [her]660-her from [her]660-her swollen nub all the way up to [her]660-her star - shaped opening . [Her]660-her shoulders shake . [She]660-her moans and [her]660-her knees seem to give way . [I]0-i swoop down , wrap [my]0-i fingers around [her]660-her thighs . " Hold on . "[0-i] [I]0-i drag [my]0-i tongue up [her]660-her clit , retrace the path to [her]660-her back hole . A whine spills from [her]660-her lips and it ’s [my]0-i undoing . [I]0-i thrust [my]0-i tongue inside [her]660-her channel , lick [her]660-her , flick [my]0-i tongue in and out of [her]660-her . [Her]660-her entire body shudders and [her]660-her breathing grows ragged . A trembling grips [her]660-her , swoops up [her]660-her legs . [I]0-i do n’t stop . [I]0-i angle [my]0-i head , haul [her]660-her even closer until [she]660-her ’s riding [my]0-i face . [Her]660-her body tenses , [her]660-her pussy clenches , and moisture beads [her]660-her cunt . So fucking sweet , so soft . [My]0-i dick lengthens ; [my]0-i groin hardens . [I]0-i need to be inside [her]660-her . [I]0-i must . [I]0-i fondle the curve of [her]660-her hip , insert a thumb into [her]660-her back hole . [She]660-her shudders , [her]660-her thigh muscles spasm , and [I]0-i recognize the giveaway sigh . [She]660-her ’s close . So close . [I]0-i curl [my]0-i tongue inside [her]660-her and a low keening cry emerges from [her]660-her lips . [My]0-i vision tunnels and [my]0-i muscles bunch . Close , [I]0-i am so close . [I]0-i drag [my]0-i mouth from [her]660-her , scramble up to [my]0-i feet . Pivoting , [I]0-i stalk away . " What the fuck ? "[660-her] [Her]660-her startled exclamation follows [me]0-i . [I]0-i reach the exit , shove open the door . " Where are [you]0-i going , [[you]0-i asshole]556-you asshole ? "[0-i] [I]0-i pause , " [I]0-i think it ’s [your]0-i arsehole that ’s pushing [you]0-i to speak now . "[0-i] " [You]0-i filthy , [horrible , monster]2296-horrible , monster . "[0-i] The hair on [my]0-i horrible neck bristles . [I]0-i swerve and a wind disturbs [my]0-i suit sleeve as a vase sails by . It crashes onto the floor , shatters . [I]0-i turn , sweep a wary gaze over [the disheveled woman , who ’s walking toward [me]0-i]666-the disheveled woman , who ’s walking toward me . [She]660-her ’s managed to pull up [her]660-her panties in double - quick time — impressive . Other than that , [she]660-her ’s naked . [Her]660-her tits bounce , [her]660-her hips wiggle , and [her]660-her dark hair flies around [her]660-her face . [She]660-her holds up the twin of the vase that [she]660-her ’d thrown earlier . [I]0-i duck again … but am not that quick . The heavy artifact grazes [my]0-i shoulder , before crashing to the ground . [I]0-i stumble , then right [myself]0-i . [I]0-i brush [my]0-i sleeve . " Are [you]660-her quite done ? "[0-i] [I]0-i drawl . [She]660-her clenches [her]660-her tiny fingers into fists . " [I]660-her am going to kill [you]0-i . "[660-her] " Join the queue . [You]0-i ’ll have a long wait , by the way . "[660-her] [She]660-her bares [her]660-her teeth and a snarl emerges from the controlled , always put together sophisticate [she]660-her ’d once been . This side of [Gigi]53-gigi[I]0-i frown … It ’s innervating , energizing … It ’s fucking sexy . " Wanna fight ? "[0-i] [My]0-i lips curl . " Fuck [you]660-her , [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n’t stop the grin that splits [my]0-i face . [She]660-her snarls . [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hand , " Now , now , [Tory]82-tory , [we]2297-we can work this out . "[0-i] " [I]660-her hate being called [Tory]82-tory , fucking hate it . "[660-her] O - k - a - y. " [Victoria]108-victoria . "[0-i] " [I]660-her loathe [my]660-her name . [Stupid , prissy , old - fashioned]2298-stupid , prissy , old - fashioned . "[660-her] [She]660-her walks forward , fists in front . " Are [you]0-i aware of the number of stupid Posh Spice references [I]660-her have had to endure ? "[660-her] [I]0-i blink , glance around [the room]319-the room . What can [I]0-i use as a shield ? The table … Too heavy . Besides , it would hurt [her]660-her if [I]0-i held it up . Come to think of it … better not move from here , best to hold [my]0-i stance , look [her]660-her in the eyes . [Her]660-her pupils are so black they seem to have expanded , until only a circle of stormy green remains . " It does n’t help that [I]0-i look like this . "[0-i] [I]0-i risk a quick glance down to [her]660-her perky breasts , the tiny waist , the flare of [her]660-her hips and that juicy , sexy , core of [hers]660-her . The pink cleft between [her]660-her lower lips would be glistening , from [her]660-her cum . Fuck . [My]0-i cock thickens , [my]0-i belly coils ... Fuck , fuck , fuck , look up , look away , before [you]668-you reveal how much [her]660-her presence affects [you]668-you . [I]0-i squeeze the bridge of [my]0-i nose , and [she]660-her snarls , " [You]0-i ca n’t stand to look at [me]660-her , can [you]0-i ? "[660-her] [I]0-i snap [my]0-i eyelids open , " Now , that ’s not what this is about . "[0-i] " [You]0-i fucking hate [my]660-her body , "[660-her] [she]660-her huffs . [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head , " Not true . "[0-i] " [My]0-i tits are too big . [My]0-i fingers clench . "[0-i] They ’re gorgeous , " [I]0-i growl . "[0-i] [My]0-i waist is too tiny . " [She]660-her pouts . "[0-i] It 's fucking beautiful . " [I]0-i furrow [my]0-i brow . "[0-i] [My]0-i hips are too large , " [she]660-her wails . [I]0-i pretend to study [her]660-her curves , then scratch [my]0-i chin , "[0-i] Now that [you]660-her mention it … " [She]660-her opens and shuts [her]660-her jaw , then charges at [me]660-her , "[660-her] Why [[you]0-i jackass]669-you jackass , [you]0-i rotten excuse for [a man]175-a man[you]0-i . " [She]660-her flings [herself]660-her at [me]0-i , and [I]0-i take the full impact of [her]660-her weight . [She]660-her throws [her]660-her fists , catches [me]0-i in the side , against [my]0-i rib cage . [She]660-her peppers [me]0-i with [her]660-her blows . [I]0-i do n’t react . [I]0-i brace [myself]0-i , allow [her]660-her to hit [me]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i hate [you]0-i . " Slam . "[0-i] Bloody loathe [you]0-i . " [She]660-her snaps [her]660-her forehead into [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i wince … on [her]660-her behalf . That had to hurt . [She]660-her raises [her]660-her arm again , then drops it to [her]660-her side . "[0-i] [You]0-i ’re dreadful . How could [you]0-i do that to [me]0-i ? How could [you]0-i … ? " [Her]660-her shoulders shudder and [her]660-her tiny body sways . Wetness blots [my]0-i shirt . [I]0-i glance down at the back of [her]660-her head . "[0-i] [Gigi]53-gigi ? " [She]660-her shakes [her]660-her head , [her]660-her crying intensifying . A hot sensation stabs at [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i scoop [her]660-her up , cuddle [her]660-her against [my]0-i body . [She]660-her ’s so fucking light , so perfectly formed . Why the fuck had n’t [I]0-i noticed that before ? Because [I]0-i ’d been too focused on [myself]0-i . On what [I]0-i wanted from [her]660-her , on trying to figure out why the hell [she]660-her ’d come to [me]0-i with that crazy proposition of [hers]660-her … And [I]0-i will find out … But meanwhile , [I]0-i am going to hold [her]660-her , until this storm [she]660-her ’s found [herself]660-her in blows over . [Her]660-her sobs increase in strength . Shit , the fuck am [I]0-i supposed to do now ? [I]0-i ’ve had [women]2103-women cry out in passion , weep when [I]0-i ’ve brought [them]2103-women to orgasm , wail when [I]0-i ’ve fucked the hell out of [them]2103-women . But [this ... weeping woman]2300-this ... weeping woman … One [I]0-i ’ve begun to appreciate more than [any other female in [my]0-i life]2301-any other female in my life … Holdonabloody second . [I]0-i 've barely spent any time with [her]660-her , so why does [she]660-her affect [me]0-i so much ? Do [I]0-i understand [her]660-her better than [anyone else outside of the Seven]2302-anyone else outside of the seven ? Yes . Fuck , what does that mean ? Nothing . [I]0-i can have [girlfriends]2303-girlfriends … No , not like that … [I]0-i mean , [girls who are [[my]0-i friends]2056-my friends]2304-girls who are my friends . Yeah … No , [she]660-her is n’t [a friend]2306-a friend . [She]660-her is … Something … Somebody [I]0-i am going to take on as [a sub]2307-a sub , remember ? Yeah , got it . [I]0-i cuddle [her]660-her close and [she]660-her wraps [her]660-her arm around [me]0-i . [I]0-i stalk over to the chair [I]0-i ’d vacated earlier . Sit down with [her]660-her in [my]0-i lap . [I]0-i rock [her]660-her and pat [her]660-her hair , but [her]660-her crying only seems to grow louder . Shit , shit , shit . The band around [my]0-i heart squeezes . Got ta do something . What does [one]2308-one do to quieten [someone who ’s crying]2309-someone who ’s crying ? [I]0-i rock [her]660-her back and forth , back and forth . [She]660-her digs [her]660-her fingers into [my]0-i shirt , [her]660-her nails digging through , into [my]0-i skin . [She]660-her ’s still weeping … but it ’s not as intense as earlier , right ? [I]0-i continue to rock [her]660-her , hum under [my]0-i breath . [She]660-her sniffles . [Her]660-her crying lessens . [I]0-i hum again … then croon the song . [She]660-her hiccups , then falls silent . "[0-i] [Your]671-you pitch is off - key , by the way . " [She]660-her sniffles . "[0-i] [I]0-i 'm tone deaf , " [I]0-i reply cheerfully . But at least [she]660-her 's stopped the waterworks . [Man]2109-man , that was close . [She]660-her peers up at [me]0-i from under [her]660-her eyelashes , "[0-i] Did [you]0-i sing — " “[0-i] While [my]0-i Guitar Gently Weeps by [The Beatles]71-the beatles ? " [I]71-the beatles crack [my]71-the beatles neck . "[71-the beatles] Seems that way . " "[71-the beatles] Why ? " [She]660-her asks . "[71-the beatles] It worked , did n't it ? " [I]71-the beatles scowl , "[71-the beatles] Could n’t stand by and watch [you]671-you have a bloody meltdown . " [She]660-her huffs , "[0-i] [I]0-i meant , why [The Beatles]71-the beatles ? " "[71-the beatles] Why not [The Beatles]71-the beatles ? " "[71-the beatles] [You]0-i hate [The Beatles]71-the beatles . " "[71-the beatles] [I]0-i hate tears even more , besides , when [a naked woman]672-a naked woman" "[672-a naked woman] — Almost - naked , " [she]660-her protests . [I]673-almost naked woman chuckle , "[673-almost naked woman] [Almost naked woman]673-almost naked woman throws [herself]673-almost naked woman at [me]0-i[I]0-i had to catch [you]671-you . [I]0-i could n’t have [you]671-you hurting [yourself]671-you . " [Her]660-her gaze flickers . [I]0-i fit [my]0-i knuckles under [her]660-her chin , so [she]660-her has no choice but to glance at [me]0-i . "[0-i] Only [I]0-i am allowed to do that , [Gigi]53-gigi . " [She]660-her swallows . "[53-gigi] [No one else]2294-no one else can hurt [you]671-you , except [me]0-i , " [I]671-you lower [my]671-you chin , "[671-you] [you]671-you feel [me]0-i ? " [Her]660-her pupils dilate . [Her]660-her chest heaves , then [she]660-her nods . "[671-you] [I]0-i understand … [Sir]2262-sir . " [My]2262-sir dick hardens at that . Shit , what am [I]2262-sir doing , cuddling [her]660-her ? [I]2262-sir fucking hummed a song for [her]660-her ? Bloody - fucking - hell ! [I]2262-sir lean forward and [she]660-her presses a hand into [her]660-her chest , "[2262-sir] It ’s okay , [Saint]47-saint , [I]0-i wo n’t tell . " [I]0-i frown . "[0-i] [I]0-i wo n’t tell [the Seven]2150-the seven or [anyone else]369-anyone else . It ’s [our]678-our secret . " "[47-saint] What the fuck [you]47-saint talking about ? " [She]660-her darts [me]47-saint a look from under those sooty eyelashes , "[47-saint] That [you]47-saint secretly have a thing for [The Beatles]71-the beatles . " "[71-the beatles] [I]0-i do n’t have a ' thing ' for those knobheads . " "[0-i] Yet [you]47-saint knew the words to [their]2150-the seven song . " "[47-saint] Who does n’t ? " [She]660-her stares at [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] What ? " [I]47-saint scowl . "[47-saint] [Not everyone]679-not everyone knows the correct words to that particular song . " Shit , is it getting hot in here ? "[679-not everyone] Admit it . " [She]660-her sits up in [my]679-not everyone lap . "[679-not everyone] No . " "[679-not everyone] [You]47-saint secretly like [them]2150-the seven[You]47-saint think it ’s ‘ uncool ’ — " [she]660-her makes air quotes with [her]660-her fingers . "[47-saint] — to say so . " [I]47-saint set [my]47-saint jaw , "[47-saint] [I]0-i do n’t . " "[0-i] It wo n’t take away from [your]47-saint macho , hotter - than - hell image . " [I]47-saint lean back in the seat . "[47-saint] [You]47-saint think [I]0-i ’m macho ? " "[47-saint] Umm . " [She]660-her shuffles [her]660-her feet . "[47-saint] Answer [me]0-i . " "[47-saint] Maybe … " [She]660-her chews on [her]660-her lower lip and [my]53-gigi gaze traces the action . Bare lips with all the lipstick bitten off . Mascara trails down [her]660-her cheeks , [her]660-her eyelashes are spiky from the tears [she]660-her ’d shed , [she]660-her ’s not wearing clothes … And yet , [she]660-her ’s trying to coerce [me]53-gigi into revealing something more about [myself]53-gigi . It ’s not a big deal … but … if it means so much to [her]660-her , hell if [I]53-gigi ’m going to give it to [her]660-her so easily … . "[53-gigi] Yes or no , [Gigi]53-gigi ? " [She]660-her throws up [her]660-her hands . "[53-gigi] Fine , yes , [you]53-gigi ’re macho as hell , fucking sexy , [the most virile man [I]0-i ’ve ever met]680-the most virile man i ’ve ever met . " "[680-the most virile man i ’ve ever met] Do n’t forget overpoweringly charismatic . " [She]660-her draws in a breath . "[2118-an asshole] And [an asshole]2118-an asshole . " "[2118-an asshole] [You]53-gigi mean , alphahole ? " [I]2118-an asshole smirk . [She]660-her tosses [her]660-her head . "[2118-an asshole] And dominant . " "[2118-an asshole] [Your]53-gigi ego is so large that — " "[682-it] [It]682-it ’s bigger than [Beatlemania]15-beatlemania at its height ? " [I]682-it smirk . [She]660-her blinks , "[682-it] See ? " [She]660-her stabs a finger in [my]682-it chest . "[682-it] So , [you]53-gigi admit [they]683-they were a phenomenon ? " "[53-gigi] So were [The Stones]83-the stones , and [they]683-they had a fuck - ton more attitude . " [She]660-her raises [her]660-her shoulders , "[683-they] Too rebellious . " "[683-they] Too conformist . " [I]683-they lower [my]683-they chin . "[683-they] Goody - goody on the outside and bitchy , on the inside . " "[683-they] Over the top , [bad boys]684-bad boys , too much sex , too much fast living , too much everything . " "[683-they] Exactly what [you]53-gigi secretly covet . " [She]660-her scoffs . "[683-they] Admit it . What [you]53-gigi need to loosen up , is a whole lotta fucking . " [I]53-gigi raise an eyebrow . "[53-gigi] Speak for [yourself]53-gigi . " [She]660-her gathers [her]660-her hair to one side . [Her]660-her tits jiggle again , and [my]53-gigi dick instantly perks up . Shit , is there a direct connection between [her]660-her sensual actions and a particular part of [my]53-gigi anatomy ? [I]53-gigi adjust [her]660-her position so [she]660-her ’s straddling [me]53-gigi . "[53-gigi] Tell [me]0-i what [you]53-gigi feel for [me]0-i , " [I]53-gigi say , "[53-gigi] and if [I]0-i ’m satisfied , [I]0-i might let on what [I]0-i think about [that old - fashioned , overrated , ridiculous boy band]685-that old - fashioned , overrated , ridiculous boy band . " "[686-boy band] [Boy band]686-boy band ? " [She]660-her splutters . "[0-i] [You]0-i called [them]686-boy band [a boy band]687-a boy band ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i changed [my]0-i mind . " [I]0-i stab [my]0-i tongue in [my]0-i cheek , "[0-i] [They]686-boy band were [a bunch of dicks who hated [each other]2117-each other]688-a bunch of dicks who hated each other" [Her]660-her shoulders stiffen . "[686-boy band] Oh , and [Lennon]84-lennon was especially [a douche - dick]690-a douche - dick . " [She]660-her clutches [her]660-her fingers at [her]660-her sides as twin spots of color appear on [her]660-her cheeks . Hell , this is more fun than sitting in a business meeting negotiating the crap out of [[my]84-lennon opposing party]2311-my opposing party . "[84-lennon] And [The Beatles]71-the beatles copied [The Stones]83-the stones . " "[71-the beatles] [The Beatles]71-the beatles copied them ? [The Beatles]71-the beatles ? " [She]660-her sputters , "[71-the beatles] [Your]691-she timelines are all warped . " [I]71-the beatles lean in close enough for [our]2312-our breaths to mingle , "[71-the beatles] Are [you]691-she aware that [you]691-she get this cute little line between [your]691-she eyebrows when [you]691-she go all maniac ? " "[691-she] [I]0-i ’m not bloody Flashdance , " [she]660-her huffs . [I]0-i laugh . "[0-i] Nice one , [Rhodes]43-adam . " "[43-adam] That ’s not [my]0-i surname . " [She]660-her slaps a palm over [her]660-her mouth . [I]43-adam frown , ' What ’s that supposed to mean ? "[43-adam] " N … nothing . "[691-she] [She]691-she tries to scramble off [my]0-i lap , and [I]0-i grab [her]691-she shoulders to hold [her]691-she in place . " Explain . "[0-i] " There ’s nothing to explain . "[43-adam] " Yes , there is , what [you]691-she said — "[691-she] " Was a slip of the tongue . "[691-she] [She]691-she tips up [her]691-she chin . " [You]691-she ’re [a bad liar]2313-a bad liar . "[691-she] " Not lying . "[691-she] " [You]691-she ’ve been heaping on the bullshit from the moment [we]2314-we met . "[691-she] " What ? "[691-she] [She]691-she frowns , " What do [you]0-i mean ? "[691-she] " [You]691-she went out of [your]691-she way to catch [my]691-she attention , [you]691-she led [me]691-she on , capitalized on the chemistry between [us]2314-we . [You]691-she made [me]691-she an offer [you]691-she knew would pique [my]691-she interest . "[691-she] " Not [my]691-she fault [you]0-i found [me]691-she a challenge , "[691-she] [she]691-she huffs . " [You]0-i ’re more than that for [me]691-she . "[691-she] [She]691-she freezes . Shit , shit , shit , had n’t meant to say that . Talk about a slip of the tongue , huh ? [She]691-she swallows , lowers [her]691-she head , " [You]0-i ’re not making sense . "[691-she] " It ’s simple . [You]0-i wanted to become [my]691-she submissive , but [I]691-she ’ve changed [my]691-she mind . "[691-she] [She]691-she pales … " B … but [we]2315-we had an arrangement . "[691-she] " Consider that void . "[691-she] " [You]0-i ca n’t . "[691-she] " [I]691-she can . "[691-she] “ So what … does that mean ? ”[691-she] [She]691-she glances around [her]691-she , " All this , bringing [me]691-she on a shopping trip and stuff … Wh … why did [you]0-i do it ? "[691-she] " Felt like the thing . "[691-she] " [You]0-i wanted to catch [me]0-i off balance ? "[0-i] [I]0-i peruse [her]691-she features . [She]691-she ’s quick , all right . Not that [I]0-i had expected anything less … Not after the way [she]691-she ’d maneuvered [herself]691-she under [my]0-i skin in such a short period of time . [She]691-she wriggles around on [my]0-i lap . [My]0-i cock jerks in [my]0-i pants . [Her]691-she breath catches . [Her]691-she pupils dilate . [I]0-i smirk . " No denying that [our]2316-our bodies communicate with each other on a completely different level . "[0-i] " That ’s the cause of all this … this mess . "[691-she] [She]691-she holds [herself]691-she rigid , not moving an inch . [Her]691-she shoulders knot ; [her]691-she eyebrows twist together . " [I]691-she think it ’s time to put an end to this … stupid arrangement . Do n’t [you]691-she think ? "[691-she] " [I]691-she agree . "[691-she] [She]691-she opens and shuts [her]691-she mouth . " [You]691-she[you]691-she do ? "[691-she] [I]0-i nod , " [I]0-i have a completely different arrangement in mind . "[0-i] [I]0-i peel back [my]0-i lips . [She]691-she pales . [Her]691-she throat moves as [she]691-she swallows . " What ? "[691-she] [Her]691-she voice quakes … " What is it ? "[691-she] " Marry [me]108-victoria . "[108-victoria]

16

What did [the female giraffe]692-the female giraffe ask [the handsome male giraffe]693-the handsome male giraffe ? Answer : Wanna neck with [me]0-i ?

[Victoria]108-victoria

After that pronouncement [he]693-the handsome male giraffe ’d shoved [me]0-i off [his]693-the handsome male giraffe lap … Literally . [I]0-i ’d fallen on [my]0-i arse again . It was getting to be a habit around [him]693-the handsome male giraffe , that . When [he]693-the handsome male giraffe was n’t spanking [me]0-i , [I]0-i seemed to be constantly swept off of [my]0-i feet — pun intended . [I]0-i ca n’t remember the last time [I]0-i ’d gotten this physical so many times in a day and [I]0-i ’m not talking about down and dirty sex … Not that [I]0-i ’d had any of that either . [He]693-the handsome male giraffe ’d brought [me]0-i to the edge again , so close , so near to exploding all over that wicked tongue of [his]693-the handsome male giraffe , and then [he]693-the handsome male giraffe ’d pulled back . [He]693-the handsome male giraffe 'd denied [me]0-i the orgasm . [He]693-the handsome male giraffe ’d left [me]0-i angry , frustrated , horny as hell … and [I]0-i ’d lost it . [I]0-i ’d wanted [him]693-the handsome male giraffe like [a bitch in heat]694-a bitch in heat[An addict who craved one last teeny tiny hit]695-an addict who craved one last teeny tiny hit[He]693-the handsome male giraffe ’d known exactly how to throw [me]0-i off kilter . [I]0-i ’d lost [my]0-i equilibrium . [I]0-i had stumbled and made a mistake and [he]693-the handsome male giraffe had pounced . Marriage ? [I]0-i ’d assumed [he]693-the handsome male giraffe ’d meant a fake marriage … but [he]693-the handsome male giraffe ’d clarified it would be real , all right . [I]0-i ’d be tied to [him]693-the handsome male giraffe , unable to escape [him]693-the handsome male giraffe . Bound to [him]693-the handsome male giraffe . [I]0-i could n’t divorce [him]693-the handsome male giraffe … not for a year . And during that time … [he’d]693-the handsome male giraffe train [me]0-i as [[his]693-the handsome male giraffe sub]410-his sub . At [his]693-the handsome male giraffe convenience . " Of course , "[0-i] [I]0-i snort . Everything is about [him]693-the handsome male giraffe . About what [he]693-the handsome male giraffe wants . How [he]693-the handsome male giraffe decided to change the tone of [our]697-our relationship with a flick of those thick , elegant fingers . [I]0-i huff . Straighten [my]0-i shirtdress down [my]0-i hips . It ’s crumpled , but hell , not like there is anyone in [this entire godforsaken building]698-this entire godforsaken building to notice . [I]0-i could refuse [him]693-the handsome male giraffe , of course . [I]0-i have n’t accepted [his]693-the handsome male giraffe proposal yet . [I]0-i could turn [him]693-the handsome male giraffe down . [You]699-you wo n’t . [You]699-you ca n’t . This entire arrangement suits [my]0-i needs even more . It is a bondage from hell . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i fingers at [my]0-i sides . Do n’t have a choice , but to go through with it . Besides … [I]0-i want it . [I]0-i want to be [a real wife]700-a real wife . [I]0-i want to belong to [someone]236-someone , to have [someone to call mine]702-someone to call mine … Soon … very soon , [I]0-i ’ll have the real thing . Until then … If [I]0-i have to make do with [Saint]47-saint … Face it , it is n’t a hardship , the things [he]47-saint does to [me]0-i . The response [he]47-saint elicits from every pore of [my]0-i traitorous body … is everything . It is what [I]0-i have always hoped to have one day … If [I]0-i can get even a small portion of this crazy , weird chemistry that traps [us]703-us and turns everything about [us]703-us to ashes ? So be it . [I]0-i will burn . But [I]0-i ’ll ensure [he]47-saint shatters too . [I]0-i may be going down , but [I]0-i ’ll be taking [Saint]47-saint with [me]0-i . [He]47-saint changed the rules completely , but if [he]47-saint thinks [I]0-i am going to back off now ? [He]47-saint has another think coming . [He]47-saint does n’t know [me]0-i . [I]0-i swipe the hair back from [my]0-i face , survey [my]0-i flushed features . Hell , [I]0-i do n’t know [myself]0-i anymore . [I]0-i am losing perspective . Everything [I]0-i had fought for , what [I]0-i had thought [I]0-i ’d held dear to [me]0-i , all of it gone … Thanks to [one overbearing , over - the - top , Beatles - hating , complete wanker of [an alpha male]705-an alpha male]704-one overbearing , over - the - top , beatles - hating , complete wanker of an alpha male . [My]0-i insides clench and sweat beads [my]0-i forehead . What am [I]0-i going to do ? What can [I]0-i do ? [My]0-i heart begins to race . [I]0-i need to get out of [here]260-here and into the open air . [I]0-i march to the door , out into [the corridor]339-the corridor . [My]0-i footsteps echo . [I]0-i glance around at [the brightly lit aisles]708-the brightly lit aisles , the racks of clothes , the displays . All bloody creepy , without [the sales people]709-the sales people . [The asshole]581-the asshole did n’t even wait for [me]0-i . [He]581-the asshole ’d merely told [me]0-i to take [my]0-i time to adjust [my]0-i appearance and [he]581-the asshole ’d left . That ’s it … No word , no explanation about when [we]711-we ’ll meet next . Nothing . [I]0-i walk up [the corridor]339-the corridor toward [the escalators]633-the escalators . The hair on [my]0-i forearms rises . [I]0-i am alone , are n’t [I]0-i ? [I]0-i glance around . Nothing … except the bright lights , the rows upon rows of designer wear . [I]0-i hurry [my]0-i pace . Footsteps sound nearby . What the — ? [I]0-i break into a run , reach [the escalator]714-the escalator , race down it . [My]0-i heart begins to thud . Adrenaline laces [my]0-i blood . Who could it be ? [I]0-i have time to deliver on [my]0-i part of the deal . [I]0-i am doing everything [I]0-i can about it . [I]0-i reach [the second floor]715-the second floor , the first . By the time [I]0-i reach [the ground floor]716-the ground floor , sweat beads [my]0-i forehead . [I]0-i clutch [my]0-i bag close , reach for [my]0-i phone and pull it out … Who should [I]0-i call ? [Amelie]62-weston ? [Summer]44-summer … ? [Saint]47-saint ... No … not [him]47-saint . [He]47-saint ’d simply gloat about how helpless [I]0-i am . [I]0-i am just scaring [myself]0-i ; it happens . Especially after everything [I]0-i ’ve been through over the last few weeks . [I]0-i reach the exit doors , push them and burst onto [the sidewalk]436-the sidewalk . [A man passing by]718-a man passing by eyes [me]0-i curiously . [I]0-i glance away , stagger toward the bench on [the sidewalk]436-the sidewalk . [I]0-i need to catch [my]0-i breath , consider [my]0-i options . [I]0-i sink down onto [the platform]720-the platform , hunch [my]0-i shoulders . Think , think . [I]0-i can deliver [my]0-i end of the bargain . By marrying [Saint]47-saint , [I]0-i ’ll be even closer to [my]0-i target . All [I]0-i have to do is go through it , pretend … No … No pretense here . [I]0-i feel something for [him]47-saint[I]0-i have from the moment [I]0-i ’d first seen [him]47-saint . Something primal , something that makes [me]0-i feel alive . And [I]0-i want more of it . [I]0-i want to luxuriate in it . [I]0-i wanted to rip out [my]0-i soul , fill [myself]0-i with [him]47-saint … Use [him]47-saint for [my]0-i own selfish needs , before the inevitable happens , and [I]0-i have to walk away from [him]47-saint . [I]0-i sigh . [I]0-i have no choice in that … [I]0-i simply have to make the most of the cards [I]0-i ’ve been dealt . [I]0-i straighten [my]0-i shoulders . Pluck [my]0-i compact out of [my]0-i purse , snap it open . That ’s it , [Victoria]108-victoria ... Calm , composed . [A survivor]721-a survivor . [You]108-victoria can do this . [You]108-victoria can . [I]0-i pull out a tube of [my]0-i favorite lipstick , twist , and raise it to [my]0-i lips . A hand touches [my]0-i shoulder . [I]0-i jerk and the lipstick smears . [I]0-i glance to the side , “ Wha — ? ”[0-i] " [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[722-the elderly woman] [The elderly woman]722-the elderly woman smiles at [me]0-i . [Her]722-the elderly woman greying hair is pulled back in a sleek chignon ; creases fan out from the sides of [her]722-the elderly woman eyes . " Are [you]108-victoria okay , [[my]722-the elderly woman dear]2317-my dear ? "[722-the elderly woman] " What ? Yes . "[0-i] [I]0-i frown , " Do [I]0-i know [you]722-the elderly woman ? "[0-i] " [I]722-the elderly woman ’m [Meredith]56-meredith , [I]722-the elderly woman ’m … "[722-the elderly woman] " [Assistant to [the Seven]2150-the seven]2318-assistant to the seven ? "[722-the elderly woman] [Her]722-the elderly woman features light up . " Indeed . [We]2320-we met when [you]108-victoria came to [the 7A offices]2321-the 7a offices ? "[722-the elderly woman] " Of course . [I]0-i remember [you]722-the elderly woman now . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance past [her]722-the elderly woman at [the pedestrians]723-the pedestrians . Pinpricks of awareness dot [my]0-i neck . " What are [you]722-the elderly woman doing here ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i was passing by and saw [you]722-the elderly woman . "[0-i] " Right . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance back at [my]0-i reflection in the compact mirror , then scrounge around in [my]0-i bag . " Here . "[722-the elderly woman] [She]722-the elderly woman offers [me]0-i a tissue . " Thanks . "[722-the elderly woman] [I]0-i use it to fix [my]0-i face , then snap the compact shut . " So , [you]722-the elderly woman happened to be here the same time as [me]722-the elderly woman ? "[722-the elderly woman] " Coincidences . "[722-the elderly woman] [She]722-the elderly woman raises [her]722-the elderly woman shoulder . [People]2061-people think [London]2-london is [a big city]2323-a big city , but really , [it]2-london ’s [a village]2324-a village . "[722-the elderly woman] " Hmm . "[722-the elderly woman] [I]0-i slip [my]0-i compact into [my]0-i bag . " [I]722-the elderly woman ’m afraid [I]722-the elderly woman need to be somewhere else . "[722-the elderly woman] " [I]722-the elderly woman ’m afraid [I]722-the elderly woman ca n’t let [you]0-i leave yet , [Victoria]108-victoria . "[722-the elderly woman] [She]722-the elderly woman smiles , [her]722-the elderly woman eyes twinkling up at [me]0-i . [I]0-i frown . " Why is it that all of [you]2325-you seem to speak in such riddles ? "[0-i] " [Us]2326-us ? "[722-the elderly woman] " [Saint]47-saint , and [everyone connected with [him]47-saint]2327-everyone connected with him . "[722-the elderly woman] " Perhaps [you]0-i ’re finding hidden meanings because [you]0-i ’re playing in them [yourself]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i pale and [the world]212-the world tilts around [me]0-i . " [Victoria]108-victoria , what ’s wrong ? "[722-the elderly woman] [Her]722-the elderly woman voice seems to come from far away . There ’s a roaring in [my]0-i ears . [My]0-i vision tunnels . Games . Playing . Hidden meanings . Not what it seems . " [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[722-the elderly woman] A hand grips [my]0-i fingers . " [[My]722-the elderly woman dear]2317-my dear , [you]2317-my dear ’re freezing . "[722-the elderly woman] [My]0-i teeth chatter . " It ’s just … The weather … [It]2329-it ’s gone cold suddenly . "[722-the elderly woman] " That 's [London]2-london for [you]2317-my dear , [[my]722-the elderly woman dear]2317-my dear . Still , [I]722-the elderly woman like it best when it 's raining . "[722-the elderly woman] [She]722-the elderly woman rubs [my]0-i freezing hand between [her]722-the elderly woman warmer ones . [Her]722-the elderly woman flesh is smooth , unmarked . No calluses . Such well - preserved skin . Wonder what hand cream [she]722-the elderly woman uses . A chuckle rolls up [my]0-i throat . Am [I]0-i getting hysterical ? [I]0-i bite the inside of [my]0-i cheek , swallow down the bile that laces [my]0-i tongue . " Better ? "[722-the elderly woman] [She]722-the elderly woman peers into [my]0-i face . " Y … yes . "[722-the elderly woman] [I]0-i meet [her]722-the elderly woman gaze . " Thank [you]722-the elderly woman . "[722-the elderly woman] " Come on , let ’s get some food into [you]722-the elderly woman . Have [you]722-the elderly woman had lunch ? "[722-the elderly woman] " N … no . "[722-the elderly woman] " There ’s a lovely spot around the corner , that serves the best afternoon tea . "[722-the elderly woman] But . " "[722-the elderly woman] No buts . [Saint]47-saint would never forgive [me]0-i , if [I]0-i left [you]722-the elderly woman here , on [your]722-the elderly woman own . " [I]47-saint twist [my]47-saint lips . "[47-saint] Oh , [I]0-i do n’t think [Saint]47-saint would care either way . " "[47-saint] [I]0-i think [you]722-the elderly woman ’d be surprised , [[my]0-i dear]2317-my dear . " [Her]722-the elderly woman eyes gleam . [I]0-i frown , "[0-i] What are [you]722-the elderly woman not telling [me]0-i ? " [She]722-the elderly woman laughs . "[722-the elderly woman] [I]0-i ’m not hiding anything from [you]722-the elderly woman , [I]0-i promise . " Where have [I]0-i heard that before ? "[0-i] [You]722-the elderly woman ’re right to be this cautious , but [I]0-i am not [the enemy]726-the enemy . In fact , " [she]722-the elderly woman rises to [her]722-the elderly woman feet , "[0-i] [I]0-i am on [your]722-the elderly woman side . " "[722-the elderly woman] [You]0-i are ? ’ [She]722-the elderly woman holds out [her]722-the elderly woman hand , [I]0-i take it and [she]722-the elderly woman pulls [me]0-i up . " Most definitely . "[722-the elderly woman] [She]722-the elderly woman begins to walk . [I]0-i keep pace . " [Anyone who ’ll bring [Saint]47-saint to heel]2331-anyone who ’ll bring saint to heel gets [my]0-i vote … And when it happens to be [the right kind of woman who can stand up to [him]47-saint]2332-the right kind of woman who can stand up to him , then trust [me]0-i , [I]0-i ’ll do anything in [my]0-i power to ensure that [the two of [you]483-the two of you]483-the two of you are happy . "[0-i] [I]0-i stumble over a crack in [the pavement]727-the pavement . [She]722-the elderly woman grabs [my]0-i arm , " [You]0-i all right ? "[722-the elderly woman] " Of course . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance up at [her]722-the elderly woman , " But [you]722-the elderly woman have the wrong idea here . "[722-the elderly woman] " Do [I]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i nod , " Most definitely . "[0-i] [We]728-we take the zebra crossing across [Oxford Street]16-oxford street , then turn right . " It ’s not like that between [me]728-we and [Saint]47-saint . "[728-we] " Then how is it ? "[722-the elderly woman] [I]0-i peer sideways at [her]722-the elderly woman . Is [she]722-the elderly woman making fun of [me]0-i ? Maybe having a laugh at [my]0-i expense . [She]722-the elderly woman meets [my]0-i gaze , [her]722-the elderly woman own clear . [Her]722-the elderly woman features are composed into an expression which seems to portray … Curiosity … ? A slight concern , perhaps . Can [I]0-i trust [her]722-the elderly woman ? [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders . Does it matter ? [I]0-i have nothing to lose … [I]0-i have come this far … [I]0-i only have to see things through , and if [she]722-the elderly woman can help [me]0-i , well , then why not ? " [He]2334-he asked [me]722-the elderly woman to marry [him]2334-he . "[722-the elderly woman] [Her]722-the elderly woman gaze does n’t falter . No surprise on [her]722-the elderly woman face . " [You]0-i knew ? "[722-the elderly woman] [She]722-the elderly woman turns [her]722-the elderly woman head , navigates [us]729-us around [a couple loaded with shopping bags]730-a couple loaded with shopping bags . " [I]0-i had hoped , though [I]0-i have to admit , [I]0-i had n’t thought [Saint]47-saint would have the balls to pop the question . "[0-i] [I]0-i choke . [She]722-the elderly woman chuckles . " [I]722-the elderly woman ’m [a plain talking kind of gal]2335-a plain talking kind of gal . "[722-the elderly woman] " [I]722-the elderly woman can see that . "[722-the elderly woman] " Get it from [[my]722-the elderly woman mama]2336-my mama . [She]2336-my mama raised [eight of [us]729-us]2337-eight of us , and [she]2336-my mama suffered no fools . "[722-the elderly woman] " Right . "[722-the elderly woman] " Comes in handy when [you]2338-you have to herd the Seven and [[their]2337-eight of us friends]2339-their friends along in the right direction . Know what [I]0-i mean ? "[0-i] [I]0-i snort , " [I]0-i am getting an idea who actually wears the pants in 7A. "[0-i] [She]722-the elderly woman leans in close , " Let ’s keep that to [ourselves]729-us , huh ? [Our]729-us secret . "[722-the elderly woman] A warmth spreads in [my]0-i chest . " [You]722-the elderly woman bet . "[722-the elderly woman] " So , back to [you]0-i and [Saint]47-saint , "[722-the elderly woman] [she]722-the elderly woman pauses , then turns right and away from the bustling [High Street]17-high street . " [You]0-i were saying ? "[722-the elderly woman] [I]0-i wasn’t … but fine … if [she]722-the elderly woman wants to know what [my]0-i answer was . " [I]722-the elderly woman have n’t said yes … yet . "[722-the elderly woman] " Are [you]0-i going to ? "[722-the elderly woman] " Should [I]722-the elderly woman ? "[722-the elderly woman] " Are [you]722-the elderly woman asking [my]722-the elderly woman opinion ? "[722-the elderly woman] [I]0-i turn to [her]722-the elderly woman , " [I]0-i am . "[0-i] " [I]0-i think [you]722-the elderly woman should take [your]722-the elderly woman time about it . "[0-i] [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i head toward [her]722-the elderly woman , " [You]722-the elderly woman mean … ? "[0-i] [She]722-the elderly woman nods , " [He]2340-he needs [you]0-i more than [you]0-i realize . ”[722-the elderly woman] " [He]2340-he does n’t depend on [anyone]280-anyone . "[0-i] [I]0-i bite the inside of [my]0-i cheek . " [He]2340-he wants [you]722-the elderly woman in [his]2340-he life . "[0-i] " [His]2340-he asking [me]0-i to marry [him]2340-he … ? It ’s a trap , "[0-i] [I]0-i insist . [She]722-the elderly woman pauses , turns to [me]0-i , " Is [he]2340-he trapping [you]0-i or [himself]2340-he ? "[722-the elderly woman] " [I]0-i do n’t know . "[0-i] " [Saint]47-saint does n’t do anything unless [he]2340-he ’s completely sure of it . "[0-i] " [He]2340-he ’s doing this to get revenge . "[722-the elderly woman] " For what ? "[0-i] " For … "[0-i] Should [I]0-i tell [her]722-the elderly woman ? Should [I]0-i ? " For crawling under [his]2340-he skin , for distracting [him]2340-he[I]0-i do n’t know . "[0-i] [I]0-i rake [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . " [He]2340-he wants to punish [me]0-i . "[0-i] " And would that be so bad ? "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . " Are [you]722-the elderly woman implying what [I]0-i think [you]722-the elderly woman are ? "[0-i] " Do n’t let [my]0-i age and gray hair distract [you]722-the elderly woman . "[0-i] [My]0-i mouth opens and closes … " [You]722-the elderly woman mean … [you]722-the elderly woman are … into the same lifestyle as [the Seven]55-the seven ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i ’ve known [them]55-the seven since [they]55-the seven were [boys]2342-boys . [They]55-the seven ’ve been through a lot , each of [them]55-the seven[They]55-the seven ’ve each found [their]55-the seven ways to cope . And while [I]0-i do n’t necessarily condone it … [I]0-i realize it ’s one way of coming to terms , to find balance in [their]55-the seven lives . "[0-i] " That does n’t answer [my]0-i question . "[0-i] " Which was ? "[0-i] " Uh … Are [you]722-the elderly woman into the S&M stuff as well ? "[0-i] " Maybe [I]731-she am … "[731-she] [She]731-she raises [her]731-she shoulder . " Maybe [I]731-she am not . What difference does it make ? After all , it ’s not [me]731-she who has a marriage proposal from [someone who means more to [me]731-she than [I]731-she am letting on]2343-someone who means more to me than i am letting on . "[731-she] [She]731-she strolls forward . [I]0-i turn , follow in [her]731-she wake . Jeez … What the hell was that all about ? What does [she]731-she even mean ? Is [she]731-she that privy to the private lives of [the Seven]2150-the seven … and [[their]2150-the seven friends]2339-their friends ? Does [she]731-she know [[their]2150-the seven associates]734-their associates ? [Business partners]735-business partners … ? [[Their]2150-the seven enemies]736-their enemies ? [I]0-i swallow and [my]0-i heart begins to race . Was [I]0-i wrong to confide [her]731-she ? Maybe [Saint]47-saint did n’t want [me]0-i to tell [anyone]280-anyone about [his]47-saint proposal . But then , [he]47-saint had n’t mentioned otherwise . Why would [he]47-saint even want to marry [me]0-i ? What does [he]47-saint get out of it ? [A willing slave]738-a willing slave … yes … but there are so many other women out there who would be more than happy to oblige . Why [me]0-i ? [She]731-she comes to a stop in front of [a beautiful heritage building]739-a beautiful heritage building . [I]0-i glance up to find the elegant lettering that states , [Claridge]85-claridge 's . [She]731-she walks up [it]739-a beautiful heritage building , " [You]0-i coming ? "[731-she] " This is what [you]0-i meant by [an elegant little spot]2344-an elegant little spot ? "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . It 's only [one of the most iconic hotels in [the world]212-the world]740-one of the most iconic hotels in the world . " Oh , [they]739-a beautiful heritage building have the best tea and sandwiches , and after the morning [you]0-i ’ve had , it ’s only fair [I]731-she treat [you]0-i , right ? "[731-she] [I]0-i follow [her]731-she up and into [the plush reception area]742-the plush reception area . [The liveried man by the door]743-the liveried man by the door does a double take . " [Meredith]56-meredith ! "[743-the liveried man by the door] " [Dorian]86-dorian , how are [you]86-dorian ? "[86-dorian] [Dorian]86-dorian walks forward , takes [Meredith]56-meredith ’s hand and kisses [her]56-meredith knuckles . " Fit as a fiddle , [[my]86-dorian dear]2317-my dear . And who is [this charming young woman]2346-this charming young woman ? "[86-dorian] [the built - like - a - tank man]744-the built - like - a - tank man asks . [Doorman]745-doorman , [my]0-i foot . Clearly , [he]744-the built - like - a - tank man 's there to take care of any trouble that erupts . Is there going to be trouble ? [My]0-i heart begins to race . " This is [Victoria]108-victoria . "[86-dorian] [Dorian]86-dorian tilts [his]86-dorian head . " Ah ! Good to meet [you]0-i . "[86-dorian] [He]86-dorian shakes [my]0-i hand , with a half bow , then [I]0-i am treated to the hand - kissing as well . [He]86-dorian steps back , beckons [us]746-us to proceed . " [[Your]0-i guests]2347-your guests are waiting , [Meredith]56-meredith . Best seat in [the house]441-the house for [[you]0-i ladies]2349-you ladies . "[86-dorian] [I]0-i trail after [Meredith]56-meredith , " [Guests]2350-guests ? Did [he]86-dorian say [guests]2350-guests ? "[56-meredith] [She]56-meredith waves a hand in the air , " It was time to call in the reinforcements . Such devious planning to take on one of the Seven needs strong English Breakfast Tea , [girlfriends]2303-girlfriends , and of course , cake . Lots of cake . "[56-meredith]

Half an hour later , [I]0-i lean back , " [I]0-i ’m stuffed . "[0-i] [I]0-i pat [my]0-i lips with [my]0-i napkin . [Amelie]62-weston pushes the tiered cake stand toward [me]0-i . " But [you]0-i have n’t had the scones yet . "[62-weston] [I]0-i stare at the shortcake - like baked goodies . A groan wells up [my]0-i throat , " But — "[0-i] " [You]0-i must . "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer plops one of the rectangular delights onto [my]0-i plate . " [I]44-summer ca n’t . "[44-summer] " [You]0-i can do this . "[64-amelia] [Amelia]64-amelia ’s lips quirk . [[Jace]68-jace 's wife]2176-jace 's wife , [Sienna]67-sienna leans forward , pats [me]0-i on the shoulder . " It ’s good for [you]0-i . "[67-sienna] [I]0-i glance around at the faces of [the women [I]0-i ’ve come to count as [family]2168-family]748-the women i ’ve come to count as family . [I]0-i ’ve known [them]748-the women i ’ve come to count as family for only a few weeks , and yet , [each of [them]748-the women i ’ve come to count as family]750-each of them has gone out of [her]750-each of them way to make [me]0-i feel welcome [here]260-here . [They]748-the women i ’ve come to count as family had accepted [me]0-i into [their]748-the women i ’ve come to count as family little circle … no questions asked . How rare is that ? " If [you]0-i insist ... "[750-each of them] " [We]2353-we do . "[56-meredith] [Meredith]56-meredith nods . " If [Karma]51-karma were [here]260-here , [she]51-karma ’d say ' if [you]0-i incest . ' "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston snickers . [Summer]44-summer chuckles , " [That girl]2355-that girl has a sense of humor that would be more in keeping with the sensibilities of [a teenage boy]2356-a teenage boy . "[44-summer] " Such non - sequiturs . "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston tosses [her]752-her head . " Honestly , [she]2355-that girl is going to get into trouble for it someday . "[752-her] [Summer]44-summer ’s features firm , " What the hell is [she]2355-that girl doing in [Sicily]10-sicily anyway ? Why ca n’t [she]2355-that girl come back ? [I]44-summer ca n’t help but get the feeling that [she]2355-that girl ’s not telling the entire truth . "[44-summer] [My]0-i pulse thuds at [my]0-i temples . " But [she]2355-that girl is fine , right ? "[0-i] [I]0-i pat some clotted cream and strawberry jam onto [my]0-i plate . [Summer]44-summer ’s forehead furrows . " [She]2355-that girl ’s been messaging [me]44-summer , but … "[44-summer] " But ? "[0-i] " The messages are not like [her]2355-that girl . [I]753-i mean , [she]2355-that girl tells [me]753-i that [she]2355-that girl ’s okay , and that , in itself is weird . No jokes , no puns , no sarcasm . ”[753-i] [She]753-i looks around the table . " Have [you]0-i ever known [Karma]51-karma to speak without resorting to some underhanded acerbic quote ? "[753-i] [The others]754-the others shake [their]754-the others head . " Maybe … Uh , it ’s [the man [she]2355-that girl ’s with]2357-the man she ’s with ? "[754-the others] [I]0-i slice the scone , then lather some of the cream onto the flaky surface , followed by a dab of jam . " Perhaps [he]2357-the man she ’s with ’s changing [her]2355-that girl ? "[0-i] [I]0-i bite into the scone . [Amelie]62-weston quirks [her]753-i eyebrow , " Is [Saint]47-saint changing [you]0-i ? "[62-weston] The bite of scone goes down the wrong way . [I]0-i cough . [Summer]44-summer hands [me]0-i a glass of water and [I]0-i down it . " So , what ’s the latest between [the two of [you]483-the two of you]483-the two of you ? "[65-isla] [Isla]65-isla pipes up . [I]0-i place the glass back on the table , then reach for the rest of the scone . " These are good . "[0-i] " Do n’t change the topic , "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston pouts . " Let [the girl]2359-the girl have some tea . "[62-weston] [Meredith]56-meredith pours [me]0-i a cup . " Milk ? "[56-meredith] " [I]56-meredith like it black . "[56-meredith] [She]56-meredith hands [me]0-i the cup . [I]0-i sip from it and the slightly acrid , bitter yet sensual taste of tea fills [my]0-i senses . Almost as potent as [his]755-him scent . [The man who has turned [my]0-i world]756-the man who has turned my world upside down . [I]0-i glance up , to find five faces turned in [my]0-i direction . " What ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i ’re falling for [him]755-him , huh ? "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer ’s brow furrows . " No . "[44-summer] [I]0-i place the high - grade china carefully back in the saucer . Then survey the features of [[my]0-i friends]2056-my friends . " [I]0-i am already in love with [him]755-him . "[0-i] " Oh , "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston 's jaw slackens . Then [she]56-meredith snaps [her]56-meredith mouth shut , leans forward . " [He]755-him ’ll hurt [you]0-i , [girl]2360-girl . "[56-meredith] [My]0-i shoulders slump . Correction . [He]755-him ’s already wounded [me]0-i in a way [he]755-him ’ll never know . Just not as much as [I]0-i am going to hurt [him]755-him . But [I]0-i have no choice . [I]0-i peer up at [her]56-meredith . Should [I]0-i tell [her]56-meredith ? [I]0-i take in [the assembled women]758-the assembled women . " [You]758-the assembled women can trust [us]758-the assembled women with anything . [You]758-the assembled women know that , right ? "[0-i] [Meredith]56-meredith ’s soft voice interrupts [my]0-i thoughts . [I]0-i glance at [her]56-meredith , then look away . [I]0-i scan [their]758-the assembled women faces , " Why is it that all of [you]758-the assembled women are so welcoming ? [You]758-the assembled women do n't even know [me]0-i . "[0-i] " Oh , but [I]44-summer do . "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer 's lips kick up in a smile . " It was n't long ago that [I]44-summer was in [your]758-the assembled women position . [You]758-the assembled women see [me]44-summer and [Sinclair]45-sinclair and [you]758-the assembled women think it was all roses and shit from day one ? "[44-summer] [I]0-i shuffle [my]0-i feet , " Guess not . [I]0-i mean when [I]0-i saw the two of [you]758-the assembled women at the wedding , the tension between [the two of [you]758-the assembled women]483-the two of you was palpable . But then [you]758-the assembled women both seemed to have worked things out . "[0-i] " [We]758-the assembled women did . "[759-she] [She]759-she chuckles . " It was n't easy . "[759-she] " [I]0-i 'm sure . "[0-i] " [I]759-she was lucky [I]759-she had the support of [these wonderful women]2362-these wonderful women . "[759-she] [She]759-she looks around at [the group]760-the group . " It 's tough doing this on [your]0-i own . [You]0-i have n't had it easy , V. "[759-she] Tell [me]0-i about it . " [I]759-she want to extend [our]758-the assembled women support to [you]0-i ... If [you]0-i 'll take it . "[759-she] [She]759-she touches [my]0-i shoulder . " [We]758-the assembled women ’d love to help [you]0-i . "[759-she] [Amelie]62-weston takes [my]0-i hand . " [You]0-i bet , "[65-isla] [Isla]65-isla adds . " [We]758-the assembled women have a vested interest in this . There can be [no better woman]2363-no better woman than [you]0-i to deliver [Saint]2364-saint [his]2364-saint comeuppance , "[56-meredith] [Meredith]56-meredith says . A lump of emotion blocks [my]0-i throat . Tell [them]761-them , tell [them]761-them everything . Come clean . This could be [your]762-your last chance . [It]763-it ’ll put [your]762-your life in danger . It could save [Saint]47-saint from ruin . [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth , but [I]0-i ’m stopped by a familiar voice , " Why , [Victoria]108-victoria , what a surprise to see [you]108-victoria here . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn . [My]0-i face pales . " [You]108-victoria ? "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow down the bile that laces [my]0-i throat . [The tall man]764-the tall man comes to a stop on the other side of [the group]760-the group . [His]764-the tall man gaze bores into [me]0-i , in [his]764-the tall man eyes a warning . " Who ’re [you]108-victoria ? "[764-the tall man] [Amelie]62-weston glowers at [him]764-the tall man . [He]764-the tall man tilts [his]764-the tall man head , " Hello [Tory]82-tory . "[764-the tall man] [He]764-the tall man smiles . Fuck , fuck , fuck . [My]0-i vision narrows , the band around [my]0-i chest tightening . This ca n’t be happening . Not here , not now . Not when [I]0-i had been so close to finding a way out . [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head , try to speak , but the words die . " [Victoria]108-victoria , [you]108-victoria okay ? "[44-summer] [Summer]44-summer whispers . [Meredith]56-meredith glances at [the man]207-the man , then back at [me]0-i . [My]0-i breathing catches while [my]0-i hands and legs seem to grow numb . [I]0-i ca n’t move , ca n’t say anything . Ca n’t do anything but watch as [she]207-the man rises to [her]207-the man feet . " [You]207-the man must be a friend of [Victoria]108-victoria 's ... "[207-the man] " Indeed . "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio 's smile widens . " [You]108-victoria do n’t mind if [I]87-antonio borrow [her]108-victoria for a second do [you]108-victoria ? "[87-antonio]

17

Look in [my]0-i face , [I]0-i am [somebody]767-somebody ; Look at [my]0-i back , [I]0-i am [nobody]768-nobody . What am [I]0-i ? Answer : [A mirror

Saint]769-a mirror saint

" Hit [me]0-i , [motherfucker]2365-motherfucker . "[0-i] [I]0-i swing with [my]0-i gloved fist . [Arpad]75-arpad ducks . [I]0-i stumble . Straighten , then pivot and rush toward [him]75-arpad . [He]75-arpad sidesteps [me]0-i . [I]0-i rush forward , slamming into the ropes that demarcate the boxing ring . Using the elasticity to brace [myself]0-i , [I]0-i turn , shake [my]0-i head . " [Wanker]88-wanker , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [Arpad]75-arpad snickers . " Speak for [yourself]0-i . "[75-arpad] [He]75-arpad slams one gloved fist into the other . " Tired already ? Heard [you]0-i had trouble with [your]0-i performance with [some woman]2366-some woman the other day . [You]0-i losing [your]0-i touch , [motherfucker]2365-motherfucker ? "[75-arpad] [I]0-i bare [my]0-i lips . First , that slip of [a woman]297-a woman had made [me]0-i lose control completely . Now , [this tosser]771-this tosser actually thinks [he]771-this tosser can defeat [me]0-i ? " [I]771-this tosser ’ve never lost a fight with [you]75-arpad before . "[771-this tosser] " Always a first time . "[75-arpad] [He]75-arpad hunches [his]75-arpad shoulders , takes [his]75-arpad stance . " [You]0-i going to attack or are [you]0-i going to yammer all day like a pussy ? "[75-arpad] " The fuck ? "[75-arpad] Anger claws [my]0-i insides . It ’s not at [[my]0-i douchebag of a friend , who ’s grinning like the joke ’s on [me]0-i … which it is … [I]0-i mean , [I]0-i am not that far up [[my]0-i own arse]773-my own arse]772-my douchebag of a friend , who ’s grinning like the joke ’s on me … which it is … i mean , i am not that far up my own arse that [I]0-i do n’t see the signs . Coming undone around [a woman]297-a woman while trying to figure out what the hell [her]297-a woman game is and drawing a blank every single time ? Not advisable . Especially when , clearly , [she]297-a woman does n’t share the same feelings [I]0-i have for [her]297-a woman … Hold on . Hold … The fuck ... On … Feelings ? Who the fuck talks about feelings ? There is none of that here . This is pure and simple , a challenge [I]0-i took on … And purely because [she]297-a woman intrigues [me]0-i . And yeah , [she]297-a woman had belonged to [the motherfucker who had ruined [our]776-our lives]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives … And [he]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives is dead ... But so what ? Does n’t mean [I]0-i ca n’t make [him]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives pay by owning [the woman who had been [[his]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives wife]233-his wife]777-the woman who had been his wife . Possession is 9/10ths of the law , or what - fucking - ever that means . There . [I]0-i have admitted it to [myself]0-i . It ’s a chance to get some retribution for what was done to [me]0-i and [the rest of [the Seven]2150-the seven]2149-the rest of the seven . That is the only reason [I]0-i had embarked on this crazy mission . That ’s all . " [You]0-i okay , [Saint]47-saint ? "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad frowns . " The fuck [you]0-i going on about , [dickhead]2368-dickhead ? "[75-arpad] " Just , "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] [he]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives rolls [his]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives shoulders , " [you]0-i were mumbling to [yourself]0-i . "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] " [I]75-arpad was n’t . "[75-arpad] " Yep . "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] [He]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives nods , " So , it ’s true then . "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] " Do [I]75-arpad even want to know what [you]0-i are yodeling on about ? "[75-arpad] " [You]0-i tell [me]75-arpad . "[75-arpad] " Nothing to confess … And [PS]89-ps , the last time [I]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives checked , [you]0-i were n’t [the priest among [us]2370-us]2369-the priest among us . "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] " But [I]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives am the best to forgive [your]0-i sins , considering nothing [you]0-i say or do could ever shock [me]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives . "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] [He]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives leans forward on the balls of [his]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives feet . " After all , with [Jace]68-jace and [Sinclair]45-sinclair out of the picture , [you]0-i and [I]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives head up the list of [most - wanted felons of the carnal kind]2371-most - wanted felons of the carnal kind . "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] " When it comes to pleasures of the flesh , [I]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives ’m ahead of both of [you]0-i , "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] a new voice chimes in . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i head as [Weston]62-weston enters [the room]319-the room . " Too bad [you]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives do n’t fight , "[62-weston] [I]0-i rub the back of [my]0-i neck , " else it would have been satisfying taking [you]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives both on at the same time . "[0-i] " [You]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives know [I]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives ca n’t get in the ring . Have to save [my]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives fingers , "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] [he]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives flexes [his]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives digits , " for important procedures . "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] [I]0-i smirk , " Is that the operation theater or the theater of operations [you]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives ’re talking about ? "[0-i] " Both , "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] [he]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives chuckles . " So [you]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives have some of [your]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives faculties left about [you]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives ? "[775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives] [I]0-i throw up [my]0-i hands , " What the hell are [you]775-the motherfucker who had ruined our lives two nattering on like [gossiping women]2372-gossiping women about ? [I]0-i — "[0-i] [My]0-i neck snaps back . " Fuck . "[0-i] [I]0-i reel back from [Arpad]75-arpad ’s blow . [The world]212-the world tilts . [I]0-i glance up from [my]0-i prone position on the floor of [the ring]783-the ring , to meet [Arpad]75-arpad ’s snickering expression . [I]0-i spit out blood , " [Fucker]2373-fucker . "[0-i] " [My]75-arpad pleasure . "[75-arpad] [He]75-arpad holds out [his]75-arpad arm and when [I]0-i take it , [he]75-arpad hauls [me]0-i to [my]0-i feet . [My]0-i ears ring ; pain fills the cavity behind [my]0-i eyes . [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head to clear it . " [Asshole]2374-asshole . "[0-i] [I]0-i train [my]0-i gaze between [the two grinning idiots]784-the two grinning idiots . " Now that [we]2375-we have that out of the way ... "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad uses [his]75-arpad teeth to undo the straps on the gloves . " So ... "[75-arpad] [He]75-arpad turns to [me]0-i , " What ’s gotten [your]0-i knickers in such a twist , that [you]0-i went down in the first round ? "[75-arpad] " None of [your]62-weston business . "[0-i] [I]0-i strip off [my]0-i own gloves , drop them to [my]0-i feet . " Oh , but it is . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston steps into the ring . [I]0-i glance up as [they]784-the two grinning idiots close in on [me]0-i . " What ’s this ? "[784-the two grinning idiots] [I]0-i scowl , " An intervention ? "[0-i] " [You]62-weston bet . "[50-damian] [Damian]50-damian hangs over the ropes . " The fuck [you]0-i doing here , [rockstar]2376-rockstar ? ”[50-damian] " Heard [you]0-i were having a moment . "[75-arpad] [He]75-arpad grins . [I]0-i crack [my]0-i neck . " So what , [you]0-i flew in to gloat ? "[0-i] " Of course . "[50-damian] The light glints off [Damian]50-damian 's golden blonde hair . " [I]75-arpad was between [concerts]2377-concerts . What better way to use [my]75-arpad down time , than to be around to witness another epic fall ? "[75-arpad] [He]75-arpad waggles [his]75-arpad eyebrows . [I]0-i roll [my]0-i shoulders , " Sorry to disappoint , [ol' chap]2068-ol' chap , but [you]75-arpad were misinformed . "[75-arpad] " Oh ? "[75-arpad] " [You]75-arpad mean [you]75-arpad did n’t shut down all of Selfridges to pick out the wardrobe for [[your]75-arpad woman]2379-your woman . "[0-i] [I]0-i choke . " Personally , "[0-i] [Damian]50-damian snickers . " By the way , while [you]75-arpad were at [it]2380-it , did [you]75-arpad choose a ring ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston trains a glance in [my]0-i direction , [his]62-weston countenance all serious - like . " Do [[you]75-arpad guys]2381-you guys have nothing better to do than trade gossip ? "[62-weston] " When it comes to [you]0-i , "[45-sinclair] [Sinclair]45-sinclair prowls forward , " there ’s nothing better . "[45-sinclair] [I]0-i scowl at [him]45-sinclair . " The fuck are [you]75-arpad doing [here]260-here ? "[45-sinclair] " [Edward]74-edward ’s been delayed , "[45-sinclair] [Sinclair]45-sinclair drawls . " [The Father]2383-the father had to tend to an emergency with [[his]2383-the father flock]2384-his flock , but [he]2383-the father ’s [here]260-here in spirit . "[45-sinclair] " Shit , that ’s a terrible pun , [Sin]90-sin . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair laughs , " It ’s the environment . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair glances around [the space]532-the space , " Why [you]0-i ca n’t use [the gym]2386-the gym at [one of [[your]0-i fancy hotels]2388-your fancy hotels]2387-one of your fancy hotels , [I]45-sinclair do n’t understand . For [a man who loves rare £ 400,000 smoke sticks , [your]0-i choice of venue to get the shit beaten out of [you]0-i]2389-a man who loves rare £ 400,000 smoke sticks , your choice of venue to get the shit beaten out of you , sucks . "[45-sinclair] " What ’s wrong with it ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glance around the shabby - chic environment . [Jace]68-jace had bought [the building next to [the Claridge 's]787-the claridge 's]786-the building next to the claridge 's , then left [the run - down gym]788-the run - down gym as - is . [I]0-i like it because , well … Occasionally , it 's an interesting experience to slum it . Also , it ’s the one place [I]0-i can count on finding [someone who can hold [their]789-someone who can hold their own against me own against [me]0-i]789-someone who can hold their own against me . [Men who have [their]789-someone who can hold their own against me own devils]790-men who have their own devils to defeat . " It has character , [you]75-arpad got ta admit , "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad grins . " Besides , it ’s growing on [me]75-arpad . "[75-arpad] " Do n’t laugh too soon , [dipshit]2390-dipshit . It ’s a fluke that [you]75-arpad won today . "[62-weston] " The first of many , no doubt . "[62-weston] " Wanna go another round ? "[75-arpad] " Only after [Saint]47-saint confesses . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston claps [me]0-i on the shoulder , " Come on , [man]2109-man . [I]62-weston have too much invested in this . "[62-weston] " The fuck [you]62-weston talking about ? "[75-arpad] " [We]2392-we may have bet a million , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston chuckles . " Or two . "[62-weston] [Arpad]75-arpad folds [his]75-arpad arms over [his]75-arpad chest . " [You]62-weston did it then ? [You]62-weston took [her]2393-her on as [your]62-weston sub ? ”[75-arpad] " Nope . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance around at [their]791-their faces . " [I]0-i asked [her]2393-her to marry [me]0-i . "[0-i] Silence , then [Sinner]73-sinner doubles over in laughter . " And [you]62-weston made fun of [me]62-weston for doing the same ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston chuckles , then laughs louder . [Weston]62-weston holds out a hand . [Arpad]75-arpad glowers , " Do n’t have a check book , nor a pen … "[75-arpad] " [You]62-weston do n’t need either . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston pulls out [his]62-weston phone from [his]62-weston pocket , swipes the screen , then hands it over to [Arpad]75-arpad . " Key in [your]62-weston password , ol'chap . "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad punches in [his]75-arpad numbers . " [Jesus F’ing Christ]59-jesus . [I]75-arpad ca n’t believe this shit . "[75-arpad] [I]0-i stalk over to the opposite side of the ring . " That ’s it , [I]0-i am outta here . "[0-i] " Hold on , [Saint]47-saint , "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad smirks . " Do n't leave [us]2394-us hanging now , "[75-arpad] [Sinner]73-sinner chortles . " Ca n’t believe [you]62-weston ’re being such [a pussy]2395-a pussy , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston 's voice stops [me]0-i . " [I]62-weston mean , if [you]62-weston ’re afraid of [the woman]2107-the woman ... "[62-weston] [I]0-i turn . [Weston]62-weston raises [his]62-weston hands , " If [you]62-weston ’re in love or some shit , [you]62-weston can tell [us]2394-us . "[62-weston] [I]0-i scowl , " Back the fuck up . "[0-i] " Enlighten [us]2394-us then ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston grins . " [You]0-i remember when [Sin]90-sin here decided to fake a marriage with [Summer]44-summer ? "[62-weston] [Sinclair]45-sinclair scowls , " That was to lure [[her]44-summer father]2397-her father out into the open . "[0-i] [I]0-i motion with [my]0-i hand . " [The father who had a connection to [the Mafia]314-the mafia]2398-the father who had a connection to the mafia ... "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston rubs the back of [his]62-weston neck . " After whose death … [Sinclair]45-sinclair realized [his]45-sinclair true feelings . "[62-weston] " [He]45-sinclair married [Summer]44-summer , [they]2400-they lived happily after . "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad drawls , as [he]75-arpad removes [his]75-arpad boxing gloves . " The fucking end . "[75-arpad] " And blah - fucking - blah , yes ; but what about [the Mafia]314-the mafia ? "[0-i] [I]0-i undo the Velcro strip on one boxing glove , and take it off , then the other . " [We]2402-we ’re tracking [them]314-the mafia down . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston leans forward , " The only clue [we]2402-we have is the name [Adam Rhodes]43-adam offered before [he]43-adam died . "[62-weston] " Which [we]2402-we are n’t sure is a lead or the mumblings of [a man doped out on painkillers]2403-a man doped out on painkillers . "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad rocks back on [his]75-arpad heels . " [He]43-adam was on [his]43-adam deathbed , so one would think there was some significance to what [he]43-adam said , "[75-arpad] [Sinclair]45-sinclair muses , stroking [his]45-sinclair chin . " [He]43-adam mentioned a [Byron]91-byron and [a Capo]2404-a capo , "[45-sinclair] [Damian]50-damian glances around [the group]760-the group . [I]0-i grunt , " Then , [Sinclair]45-sinclair and [I]0-i got messages from [an anonymous source who knew [our]760-the group phone numbers]2405-an anonymous source who knew our phone numbers , and quoted [Byron]91-byron . There 's something else . "[0-i] [Sinclair]45-sinclair stiffens . [Weston]62-weston drums [his]62-weston fingers on [his]62-weston chest . " [I]62-weston received a USB with a video . It was dropped off in an unsigned envelope to [[my]62-weston office]355-my office . "[62-weston] [All of [them]793-all of them]793-all of them turn to [me]0-i . " When ? "[793-all of them] [Weston]62-weston scowls . " Right after [Sterling]45-sinclair 's wedding . "[62-weston] [I]0-i rub the back of [my]0-i neck . " Why did n’t [you]0-i tell [us]794-the guys about this before ? "[0-i] [Sinner]73-sinner growls . " [I]0-i am telling [you]0-i now , "[0-i] [I]0-i grunt . " And ? "[50-damian] [Damian]50-damian asks , " What did it contain ? "[50-damian] [I]0-i step through the ropes , snatch up [my]0-i phone , then straighten . [The guys]794-the guys crowd around and [I]0-i play the video [I]0-i 'd downloaded from the USB . [Arpad]75-arpad swears , " That 's the first evidence [we]794-the guys have of [that bastard]2407-that bastard . "[75-arpad] " Considering [we]794-the guys were blindfolded all through the incident — "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston 's voice tails off . " Fucking , fuck . "[50-damian] [Damian]50-damian growls . [I]0-i stare at the back of [the man]207-the man — the one whose voice has haunted [my]0-i nightmares for so long . [My]0-i pulse rate ratchets up . " This is ... significant . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston drums [his]62-weston fingers on [his]62-weston chest . " It could help [us]794-the guys make real headway in tracking down [those bastards]2408-those bastards . "[62-weston] " Which is why [I]0-i engaged [a private detective]2409-a private detective to run with it . "[0-i] [I]0-i widen [my]0-i stance . " The same one who 's checking up on [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston straightens . " About that .... "[62-weston] [I]0-i roll [my]0-i shoulders . " There ’s a connection between [her]108-victoria and [the Mafia]314-the mafia . "[0-i] " No . "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad frowns . " Yep , "[75-arpad] A headache drums at [my]0-i temples . " [She]108-victoria was sent with [Rhodes]43-adam for the explicit purpose getting close to [us]2411-us . "[75-arpad] " And … ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston growls . " And , "[62-weston] [I]0-i glance around [the men]796-the men , " that ’s all [I]45-sinclair know so far . ”[45-sinclair] [Sinclair]45-sinclair swears . [Damian]50-damian lowers [his]50-damian chin . [Weston]62-weston and [Arpad]75-arpad watch [me]0-i with varying expressions of incredulity . " Clearly , [you]0-i need [a better investigator]2412-a better investigator , "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad growls . " [You]0-i happen to know [her]2413-she , by the way . "[75-arpad] [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head . [Arpad]75-arpad stiffens , " Is it ... ? It ca n't be ... "[75-arpad] " [Karina]92-karina , "[0-i] [I]0-i nod . " [Weston]62-weston recommended [her]2413-she , and [she]2413-she 's [a trusted friend of [Jace]68-jace 's]2414-a trusted friend of jace 's . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston swears under [his]62-weston breath , " A bloody nuisance is what [she]2413-she is . "[62-weston] [I]0-i lower [my]0-i chin , " [She]2413-she 's trustworthy . That 's what matters . "[62-weston] " [You]0-i ’re evading the issue at hand again . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston moves toward [me]0-i . " If [I]62-weston did n’t know better , [I]62-weston ’d think [you]0-i ’re worried that [you]0-i are in over [your]0-i head . "[62-weston] [I]0-i toss [my]0-i phone at [Sinner]73-sinner who snatches it up from the air . [I]0-i turn to [Weston]62-weston , " Pick up the gloves if [you]62-weston dare , [Doc]93-doc . "[0-i] [I]0-i beckon at [him]62-weston . " Happy to go another round . "[0-i] " [You]0-i know [I]62-weston do n't fight with [my]62-weston hands , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston frowns . " [I]62-weston need to protect [them]2415-them . "[62-weston] " Maybe [you]62-weston 're afraid [I]0-i 'd beat [you]62-weston ? "[0-i] [I]0-i step back into [the ring]783-the ring . " [I]0-i 'm [a surgeon]2416-a surgeon , [man]2109-man . "[0-i] [He]62-weston blinks . " It 's not a bloody excuse . And [I]62-weston can whip [your]2109-man arse with [my]62-weston hands tied behind [my]62-weston back . "[62-weston] " Oh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i bounce on the balls of [my]0-i feet , " Less talking , more fighting . "[0-i] " Oh , [I]62-weston ’ll be doing more than that , [you]2109-man bloody twit . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston steps into [the ring]783-the ring , " [I]62-weston ’m going to dislocate [your]2109-man jaw , finish what [Arpad]75-arpad started . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston folds [his]62-weston arms behind [his]62-weston back . " And without using [my]62-weston fists . "[62-weston] " Living dangerously , [Doc]93-doc ? "[0-i] [I]0-i smirk . [He]62-weston bends [his]62-weston head and rushes [me]0-i . [I]0-i duck , then sweep [his]62-weston legs out from under [him]62-weston . [He]62-weston goes down , rolls , then springs up and rushes [me]0-i . [I]0-i evade [him]62-weston , dance over to the other side . " Come on , [Doc]93-doc . Show [me]62-weston what [you]0-i ’ve got . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston growls , takes a step forward , when a whistle pierces the air . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i head around . " [Edward]74-edward ? "[0-i] [The Father]2383-the father crosses the floor to [the ring]783-the ring , then jumps up onto [the platform]720-the platform . " Getting a little tired of refereeing the brawls between [[you]0-i boys]2418-you boys . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston frowns . " What are [you]0-i guys , [ten]2419-ten ? "[62-weston] " Hold on . "[0-i] [I]0-i crack [my]0-i neck , " Not [my]0-i fault [the wanker here]2420-the wanker here decided to challenge [me]0-i . "[0-i] " Bet [you]0-i were the one to push [him]2420-the wanker here into throwing the first hit , when [you]0-i know that , as [a surgeon]2416-a surgeon , [he]2420-the wanker here holds back from getting involved in fights of any kind , "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward retorts . " Yeah , "[74-edward] [I]0-i blow out a breath . " And [Weston]62-weston , [you]62-weston should know better than indulging [this spoilt brat]2422-this spoilt brat here . "[74-edward] " [Spoilt brat]2423-spoilt brat … ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl . " Hold on there . "[0-i] [Edward]74-edward glares at [me]0-i and [I]0-i firm [my]0-i lips . Of [the Seven of [us]2220-the seven of us]2220-the seven of us , [Edward]74-edward is the one who ’d gone all the way to [the dark side]803-the dark side … then found light … Hell , if [he]74-edward turns any more pious , [I]0-i ’ll hear [angels]804-angels singing whenever [he]74-edward walks in , which is n’t to say [I]0-i do n’t see the halo around [his]74-edward head right now . [My]0-i point being ... Oh , yeah , when [the Father]2383-the father speaks , all of [us]2220-the seven of us Seven , and [many of [[our]2220-the seven of us friends]807-our friends and [associates]808-associates]806-many of our friends and associates , listen . " Sorry , "[0-i] [I]0-i hold up a hand . " Not [me]0-i [you]62-weston should be apologizing to . "[0-i] " Right . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to [Weston]62-weston , " Apologies and all that , no offense meant . "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston drags [his]62-weston fingers through [his]62-weston hair , " None taken , [[you]0-i piece of shit]2424-you piece of shit . "[62-weston] " Twat , "[0-i] [I]0-i smirk . " [Jerkhole]94-jerkhole , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston grins . " Get [a room]652-a room , [[you]2426-you two]2084-you two , "[62-weston] [Arpad]75-arpad spreads [his]75-arpad arms along the ropes . " Nah , "[75-arpad] [Weston]62-weston lowers [his]62-weston chin , " What would [Victoria]108-victoria say to that ? "[62-weston] " None of [your]62-weston business , "[0-i] [I]0-i turn on [him]62-weston . " Shit , [you]75-arpad were right , [Arpad]75-arpad . "[0-i] [He]75-arpad shakes [his]75-arpad head , " [The boy]2428-the boy 's in love . "[75-arpad] " [I]0-i ’m not , [you]62-weston twerps . "[0-i] [I]0-i crack [my]0-i neck , " [I]0-i am going to say this only once , so [you]62-weston all had better listen up . "[0-i] Of course , it had to happen to [Saint]47-saint next , " [Sinclair]45-sinclair teases . [I]47-saint glower at [him]45-sinclair . [He]62-weston raises [his]62-weston hands , "[47-saint] Go on , [Saint]47-saint , what ’s [your]47-saint plan then ? " [I]47-saint scan the faces of [the others]754-the others . [[My]47-saint friends]2056-my friends … as close as [I]47-saint ’ll get to having [brothers]2431-brothers … not that there ’s any blood connection between [us]2432-us … Well , if [you]62-weston do n’t count the blood that was spilt during the time [we]2432-us ’d been kidnapped and held together . The longest days of [my]47-saint life … And when [you]62-weston go through an experience like that together … Well , it changes [you]62-weston . It unites [you]62-weston in ways [you]62-weston do n’t need to always elaborate with words . It is for [[my]47-saint friends]2056-my friends[the dipshits [I]47-saint often love to hate]2434-the dipshits i often love to hate — and also for [myself]47-saint , that [I]47-saint need to go through with the fake wedding . Also , [I]47-saint need an excuse to keep [the woman]2107-the woman , who has unearthed feelings [I]47-saint ’d thought dead since the incident , near [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] [My]0-i plan ’s simple . Keep [her]809-her close , and [the Mafia]314-the mafia will follow . " [Weston]62-weston tilts [his]62-weston head , "[314-the mafia] [You]0-i do n’t need to marry [her]809-her for that . " "[0-i] It ’s simpler that way . ” "[0-i] How ? " "[0-i] It ’s foolproof in the short term . [Victoria]108-victoria , [I]0-i happen to find out , is old - fashioned enough that [she]108-victoria 'll respect the wedding vows . " "[108-victoria] That ’s why [she]108-victoria ’d marry [you]0-i so quickly after burying [[her]108-victoria first husband]811-her first husband ? " [I]108-victoria growl . [Weston]62-weston does n’t back down , "[108-victoria] Go on , tell [us]812-us [your]0-i reasoning , [Saint Killian]47-saint . " "[47-saint] Do n’t use that bloody name " "[47-saint] It is [your]0-i middle name , is n’t it ? " "[47-saint] Among others . " "[47-saint] Well , then ? " "[47-saint] [I]0-i should be able to coerce [her]809-her into tying the knot sooner than not . " "[0-i] Meanwhile , [you]0-i get information about [the Mafia]314-the mafia from [her]809-her ? " "[0-i] Exactly , " [I]0-i prop [my]0-i hands on [my]0-i hips . [Weston]62-weston smirks , "[0-i] And during this time , of course , [you]0-i make full use of [your]0-i marital privileges ? " "[0-i] Hey , " [I]0-i frown , "[0-i] do n’t go there . " [Weston]62-weston blinks , "[0-i] Wow , possessive about [her]809-her too . " "[0-i] What ’s it to [you]0-i ? " [I]0-i lower [my]0-i chin . [He]62-weston turns to [Sinclair]45-sinclair , "[0-i] Sound familiar to [you]0-i ? " [Sinclair]45-sinclair chuckles , "[0-i] All too much , and [you]0-i know the funniest part of this ? " "[0-i] No , tell [me]0-i , " [Weston]62-weston jokes . "[814-he] [He]814-he has no idea that [he]814-he ’s already well and truly fucked . " "[814-he] Hook , line and sinker , " [Weston]62-weston rubs [his]62-weston hands together . "[814-he] Hey , [I]0-i ’m here , [[you]0-i wankers]815-you wankers , " [I]0-i growl . "[0-i] Barely , " [Arpad]75-arpad snickers . "[0-i] [Your]0-i mind has been elsewhere all this time . " "[0-i] Yeah , [I]0-i ’ve been focused on how to take down [the bastards who fucked up [our]817-our lives]816-the bastards who fucked up our lives . " "[0-i] Is that what this is about ? This elaborate plan of [yours]818-yours to keep [her]819-her close ? " [Weston]62-weston asks . "[818-yours] What else can it be ? " [I]818-yours glower . "[818-yours] Clearly , [you]0-i ca n’t see what ’s right there in front of [you]0-i . " [He]62-weston scratches [his]62-weston jaw . "[56-meredith] Which is — ? " "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ? " [Sinner]73-sinner holds up [my]47-saint phone . "[47-saint] Call for [you]0-i . " [He]62-weston reaches over the ropes , "[47-saint] It ’s [Meredith]56-meredith . [She]56-meredith says it ’s urgent . " Shit ! [My]56-meredith heart begins to race . It ca n’t be about [her]56-meredith , can it ? [I]56-meredith did ask [Meredith]56-meredith to check in on [her]56-meredith after [I]56-meredith ’d left [her]56-meredith in [Selfridges]14-selfridges . [She]56-meredith has to be fine . Has to be . [I]56-meredith close the distance between [us]2436-us , then grab the phone from [him]62-weston . "[56-meredith] [Meredith]56-meredith , is [she]56-meredith okay ? " Anger twists [my]0-i guts as [I]0-i listen to [her]56-meredith reply . "[0-i] [I]0-i ’m coming . "[0-i]

18

[Victoria]108-victoria

" What do [you]62-weston want ? "[0-i] [I]0-i tuck [my]0-i elbows into [my]0-i sides . Do n’t lose it , not now . [You]820-you ’re in [a public place]821-a public place , there ’s nothing that [he]822-he can do to [you]820-you . [You]820-you ’re safe . Safe ? Ha , when was the last time [I]0-i ’d gone to bed without waking up in the throes of a nightmare ? When had [I]0-i last walked down [a street]823-a street without looking nervously over [my]0-i shoulder ? Just because [I]0-i am in [the middle of [a hotel]825-a hotel , next to [a crowded room]826-a crowded room packed with [people]2061-people]824-the middle of a hotel , next to a crowded room packed with people , does n’t mean [I]0-i am safe from [the man who 'd kidnapped [Nina]52-nina]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina . [I]0-i will not let [him]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina scare [me]0-i – for [Nina]52-nina 's sake . [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , hold [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina gaze . " Well ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . " [You]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina 're taking too long . "[0-i] [Antonio]87-antonio stares at [me]0-i with those dark eyes , so lifeless . The first and only time [I]0-i 'd met [him]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina was when [he]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina 'd informed [me]0-i about [Nina]52-nina 's situation . It had been the singular , most scary event of [my]0-i life . [I]0-i 'd stared into the face of darkness and realized how lucky [I]0-i was not to be in [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina grasp . Unlike [Nina]52-nina . Shit . " Is [she]52-nina okay ? "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] [His]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina forehead crinkles . Those dark eyes seem to reflect some kind of inner turmoil . Before [I]0-i can process what [I]0-i think [I]0-i ’ve seen , [he]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina schools [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina features into a mask . " Do [you]0-i have what [I]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina need ? "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] A chill runs down [my]0-i back . " [I]0-i 'm trying [my]0-i best , "[0-i] [I]0-i reply . " It 's not good enough . "[0-i] " [He]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina 's [a billionaire]2437-a billionaire . "[0-i] [I]0-i clench [my]0-i fists at [my]0-i side . " Are [you]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina aware how many women seek [him]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina out ? [I]0-i ca n't throw [myself]0-i at [him]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina ; that would be counterproductive — "[0-i] " [You]0-i 're playing too hard to get . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] [He]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina frowns . " [I]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina 'm being true to character . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] " [We]2438-we are running out of time . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] [His]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina jaw hardens . " [You]0-i ’ve lost a month already . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] " [I]0-i[I]0-i had no choice . [Adam]43-adam ’s death — "[0-i] " Was unfortunate . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] [He]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina lowers [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina eyebrows . " [I]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina should have known better than to entrust such an important mission to [him]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina . [He]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina was weak . It ’s not a surprise that [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina heart gave out , at the most inopportune time . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] " How can [you]0-i talk badly about [someone who is dead]2439-someone who is dead ? "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] [He]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina widens [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina stance . " If [you]0-i do n’t deliver what [I]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina need , it will be [Nina]52-nina 's turn . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] " Please , ”[0-i] [I]0-i beg [him]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina , “ do n't hurt [her]52-nina . "[0-i] [His]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina eyes shift away from [mine]0-i . Then , [he]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina straightens [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina shoulders , " Two weeks . [I]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina 'll give [you]0-i two more weeks to get [me]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina the information . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] " [You]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina ca n’t be serious , "[0-i] [I]0-i cry out . " [I]0-i ’m not [a miracle worker]2440-a miracle worker , [I]0-i need at least another month to win [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina trust , enough for [him]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina to give [me]0-i access to [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina confidential information , [I]0-i — "[0-i] " Three . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] [He]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina widens [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina stance . " Three weeks . Not a second more . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] " That 's very little time . "[0-i] [I]0-i wring [my]0-i fingers . " Time [you]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina put [your]0-i body to good use , hmm ? "[0-i] The color fades from [my]0-i cheeks . [He]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina scrutinizes [my]0-i features , " [You]0-i did n’t expect to get away from this without fucking [him]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina , now did [you]0-i ? "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] [I]0-i swallow . " No … but … "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] " What is it ? Tell [me]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina quickly . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] [He]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina looks at the expensive watch on [his]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina wrist . " [I]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina ’m running out of time , [Victoria]108-victoria . "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] " [I]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina[I]828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina … "[828-the man who 'd kidnapped nina] [I]0-i am not stupid . Of course , [I]0-i knew [I]0-i ’d have to go to bed with [Saint]47-saint … But that was before … [I]0-i ’d realized how much [he]47-saint affects [me]0-i . Perhaps [a part of [me]0-i]829-a part of me had hoped that [I]0-i ’d somehow manage to get away without being hurt . Who am [I]0-i kidding ? [I]0-i had taken on this role knowing [I]0-i ’m likely to lose everything . " It ’s fine , "[0-i] [I]0-i pull [myself]0-i up to [my]0-i full height , " [I]0-i ’ll find a way to do it . "[0-i] [He]47-saint jerks [his]47-saint chin , " Good . "[47-saint] " And [Nina]52-nina ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n’t interpret the look comes into [his]47-saint eyes . " [You]0-i do n't need to worry about [her]52-nina . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint rolls [his]47-saint shoulders . " Stay focused on [your]0-i task . The faster [you]0-i get the USB from [him]47-saint , the sooner [you]0-i can go free . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint looks past [me]0-i , " In fact , [I]47-saint ’ll help [you]0-i along in this charade . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint arm snakes out and [he]47-saint grips [my]0-i shoulder . " What … What are [you]47-saint doing ? "[47-saint] The hair on the nape of [my]0-i neck prickles and an electric current runs up [my]0-i spine . Oh ! God , no . It ca n’t be . [Saint]47-saint 's here ; [he]47-saint 's watching . " Let [me]47-saint go . "[47-saint] [Antonio]87-antonio yanks [me]0-i to [him]87-antonio with such force that [I]0-i stumble into [him]87-antonio . [He]87-antonio lowers [his]87-antonio head and [his]87-antonio breath mingles with [mine]0-i . The next moment [he]87-antonio ’s yanked away from [me]0-i . [Antonio]87-antonio ’s body arches through the air . [He]87-antonio hits the ground with a thud . [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth to scream , then clap a hand over it . [I]0-i take a step forward . " Leave , [Victoria]108-victoria , "[0-i] [Saint]47-saint ’s hard voice whips through [my]0-i mind . " But ... "[47-saint] [He]87-antonio jerks [his]87-antonio head around , and [his]87-antonio blue eyes lighten until they resemble chips of ice . Did [he]87-antonio overhear any of that conversation ? No , [he]87-antonio could n’t have . [I]0-i have to hope for that , at least . So why is [he]87-antonio staring at [me]0-i as if [he]87-antonio wants to wrap [his]87-antonio fingers around [my]0-i neck and choke [me]0-i … as [he]87-antonio fucks [me]0-i ? As [he]87-antonio buries [himself]87-antonio inside of [me]0-i , covers [my]0-i body with [his]87-antonio , merges [his]87-antonio scent with [mine]0-i , [his]87-antonio lips over [mine]0-i , those hard pecs cutting into the soft curves of [my]0-i breasts as [he]87-antonio fucks [me]0-i , takes [me]0-i , paints [his]87-antonio essence on [me]0-i and wipes out everything [I]0-i have seen and heard and experienced—"Victoria . "[87-antonio] [I]0-i flinch . " Go , "[87-antonio] [he]87-antonio jerks [his]87-antonio chin . [My]0-i gaze darts around [him]87-antonio to [Antonio]87-antonio , who jumps up to [his]87-antonio feet . [Saint]47-saint turns around , deflects a blow from [Antonio]87-antonio , who steps back , knees slightly bent , fists balled . A trickle of blood drips from [his]87-antonio nose . " Not bad for [a spoilt playboy]2441-a spoilt playboy , "[87-antonio] [he]87-antonio snickers . [Saint]47-saint steps forward , until [his]47-saint chest slams into [Antonio]87-antonio" If [I]87-antonio see [you]87-antonio anywhere near [her]2442-her again … [I]87-antonio ’ll — "[87-antonio] " [You]87-antonio ’ll ? "[47-saint] " [I]87-antonio ’ll beat the fuck out of [you]87-antonio . "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio chuckles . " [I]47-saint ’ll have to take [you]87-antonio up on [your]87-antonio challenge one of these days , knowing fully well that [you]87-antonio wo n’t be able to win . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint snarls . [He]47-saint raises [his]47-saint arm . [I]0-i jump forward and grab [his]47-saint shoulder , " Let [him]47-saint go , "[0-i] [I]0-i pant . " [He]47-saint ’s baiting [you]47-saint . Ca n’t [you]47-saint see that ? "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint shrugs off [my]0-i hold , " [I]0-i gave [you]47-saint a simple command . If [you]47-saint do n’t obey it — "[0-i] " What are [you]47-saint going to do ? "[47-saint] [His]47-saint jaw tics , a nerve throbs at [his]47-saint temple , and [his]47-saint entire body goes rigid . Anger thrums off of [him]47-saint , mixed with … an intensity that had not been there before . If [I]0-i ’d thought [Saint]47-saint had been upset earlier … that was nothing … Nothing compared to how every muscle in [his]47-saint body is wound up , tightened , coiled into a mass of lethal fury that could plough down anything that gets in [his]47-saint way . [He]47-saint could kill [Antonio]87-antonio ; [I]0-i have no doubt about it . There is no way [I]0-i am going to let [him]47-saint do it . [I]0-i wo n’t let [him]47-saint get into trouble because of [me]0-i … And yet , [you]830-you are going to sell [him]47-saint out . [I]0-i do n’t have a choice about that . [I]0-i have too much at stake . But [I]0-i could buy [him]47-saint a little more time … a few more days of freedom . For [myself]0-i ... for [him]47-saint . " Tell [me]47-saint what [you]0-i ’ll do to [me]47-saint if [I]47-saint do n’t follow [your]0-i orders , [Saint]47-saint . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint gaze flicks to [me]0-i , " [I]47-saint ’ll make [you]0-i regret this . "[47-saint] " Without giving [me]47-saint a chance to say ’ yes ’ ? "[47-saint] " What did [you]0-i say ? "[47-saint] " [I]47-saint said ’ yes . ’ "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint frowns . [Antonio]87-antonio steps back , " [I]87-antonio ’m sorry . "[87-antonio] [Saint]47-saint turns to [him]87-antonio , as if [I]0-i had n’t accepted [his]87-antonio proposal . Maybe [he]47-saint does n’t understand what [I]0-i am alluding to ? Perhaps [he]47-saint already regrets asking [me]0-i to marry [him]47-saint ? Either way , this lack of surprise or any kind of response from [him]47-saint is … strange , to say the least . " Did n’t realize [the lady]2443-the lady was taken , "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio raises [his]87-antonio hands . " [I]87-antonio never meant to trespass on what ’s [yours]0-i . "[87-antonio] [The two men]831-the two men exchange a glance . [Saint]47-saint wraps [his]47-saint arm around [me]0-i and pulls [me]0-i close . The heat of [his]47-saint body slams into [me]0-i , [his]47-saint big frame dwarfing [me]0-i . [I]0-i melt into [him]47-saint , and for a second pretend that [I]0-i am [his]47-saint . That [he]47-saint belongs to [me]0-i , that [I]0-i am [a woman who agreed to marry [a man who in a few short days had stripped back the layers [I]0-i ’ve shown to [the world]212-the world]833-a man who in a few short days had stripped back the layers i ’ve shown to the world . Who ’d known how to arouse [me]0-i with a look , a touch , a spanking across [my]0-i backside]832-a woman who agreed to marry a man who in a few short days had stripped back the layers i ’ve shown to the world . who ’d known how to arouse me with a look , a touch , a spanking across my backside . [My]0-i nerve endings crackle and [my]0-i scalp tingles . [I]0-i swallow , force [myself]0-i to stay where [I]0-i am . " No hard feelings , [ol'chap]2444-ol'chap ? "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio holds out [his]87-antonio hand . [Saint]47-saint sets [his]47-saint jaw , " Leave before [I]87-antonio have [you]87-antonio thrown out . "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio chuckles . " It wo n’t come to that . "[87-antonio] [He]87-antonio glances down at [me]0-i , and [Saint]47-saint ’s hold tightens , until [I]0-i can barely breathe . " Good luck , [[my]87-antonio dear]2317-my dear , though by the looks of it , it will be [[your]0-i man]2446-your man who ’ll be needing it . "[87-antonio] [He]87-antonio brushes past [us]835-us . [Saint]47-saint stiffens . [I]0-i peer up at [him]47-saint to find the pulse racing at the hollow of [his]47-saint neck . [I]0-i lift [my]0-i fingers to touch the skin , and [he]47-saint releases [me]0-i . [My]0-i knees threaten to give way . [I]0-i put out a hand and brace [myself]0-i against [him]47-saint . " Who was [he]47-saint ? "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint asks . " [No one]2059-no one . "[47-saint] [I]0-i retract [my]0-i arm , press [my]0-i elbows into [my]0-i side . " [He]47-saint was [no one]2059-no one . "[0-i] " [He]47-saint did n’t seem like [nobody]768-nobody . [[You]2450-you guys]2381-you guys seemed to be engaged in intimate conversation when [I]0-i arrived . "[0-i] " How did [you]836-he find [us]2381-you guys ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . " [Meredith]56-meredith called [me]0-i . "[0-i] " Right , "[0-i] [I]0-i shuffle [my]0-i feet . " Did [you]836-he hear what [I]836-he said earlier ? "[836-he] [He]836-he frowns . " About [my]836-he saying ' yes , ' [I]836-he mean . "[836-he] " [Your]836-he agreeing to marry [me]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i nod . " [I]0-i did n’t expect otherwise . "[0-i] [I]0-i glower , " Very sure of [yourself]836-he . "[0-i] " Always . "[836-he] [He]836-he widens [his]836-he stance . " Unlike [you]836-he . "[836-he] " What ’s that supposed to mean ? "[836-he] " [You]836-he ca n’t lie to save [yourself]836-he[Tory]82-tory . "[0-i] " Do n’t call [me]836-he that . [I]836-he told [you]836-he [I]836-he do n’t like it . "[836-he] " So [I]836-he ca n’t , but [he]836-he can ? "[836-he] The blood rushes from [my]0-i face . " How … how much did [you]836-he hear ? "[0-i] " Enough . "[836-he] " [It]2452-it … it ’s not what it seems , [Saint]47-saint . "[836-he] [He]836-he chuckles , " [You]0-i can do better than that . "[836-he] " No , really , "[0-i] [I]0-i grip [his]836-he arm . [He]836-he shakes it off , " Do n’t come near [me]836-he . "[836-he] [My]0-i heart begins to thud and sweat beads [my]0-i palms . This is not good . [I]0-i ca n’t afford to have [Saint]47-saint angry with [me]0-i . Ca n’t have [him]47-saint put distance between [us]837-us — not when [I]0-i am so close to getting everything [I]0-i want . " [I]836-he ’ll do it , [Saint]47-saint . "[836-he] [He]836-he regards [me]0-i from under those thick eyelashes . " [I]836-he ’ll do anything [you]0-i want . "[836-he] " What does that mean , exactly ? "[836-he] " [I]836-he ’ll marry [you]0-i . [I]836-he ’ll obey [you]0-i . [I]836-he ’ll give [you]0-i anything [you]0-i need from [me]836-he . "[836-he] [He]836-he drums [his]836-he fingers on [his]836-he chest , " [You]0-i ’ll agree to everything [I]836-he ask ? "[836-he] [I]0-i nod . [He]836-he walks a slow circle around [me]0-i . [I]0-i stare ahead . Allow [him]836-he to take [his]836-he measure of [my]0-i body , [my]0-i curves , welcome [his]836-he heated gaze that flows over [my]0-i waist , down the cleft between [my]0-i arsecheeks , around [my]0-i thighs to the front , where [he]836-he pauses , [his]836-he gaze fixed on the triangle between [my]0-i legs . " [You]836-he ’ll strip for [me]836-he ? "[836-he] " Of course . "[836-he] " Let [me]836-he slap [your]0-i pussy ? "[836-he] [His]836-he voice lowers to a hush . [I]0-i shudder . Squeeze [my]0-i thighs together . " Answer [me]836-he . "[836-he] " Yes , "[0-i] [I]0-i snap out . [He]836-he tilts [his]836-he head to the left , then the right . " [I]836-he ’ll take [your]0-i arse , of course , "[836-he] [he]836-he assures [me]0-i . [My]0-i sex clenches and [my]0-i heart begins to race . " Of course , "[0-i] [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin . [His]836-he lips curl . " Was n’t asking [you]836-he for [your]836-he permission . "[836-he] [I]0-i draw in a sharp breath . " In fact , [I]0-i wo n’t be giving [you]836-he much of a heads - up on anything [I]0-i have in mind . Suffice to say , [Gigi]53-gigi , by the time [I]0-i ’m done with [you]836-he , [you]836-he wo n’t be able to remember [your]836-he name , let alone how [you]836-he deceived [me]0-i . "[0-i] " D … deceived [you]0-i ? "[836-he] [He]836-he does n’t know . No way . [He]836-he ca n’t know the true reason for [my]0-i having approached [him]836-he in the first place . " Wh … what do [you]836-he mean ? "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . [He]836-he jerks [his]836-he chin to the side , " Why [him]836-he[[Your]0-i former lover]2453-your former lover , who [you]0-i invited here to meet [you]0-i publicly , and all because [you]0-i wanted to make [me]836-he jealous , hmm ? "[836-he] [I]0-i blink . Is that what [he]836-he thinks this is ? That [I]0-i am cheating on [him]836-he ? If only it were that simple . [I]0-i chuckle . " What ’s so funny ? "[0-i] “ N … nothing . ”[0-i] A giggle bubbles up , [I]0-i try to swallow it , choke . [I]0-i press [my]0-i lips together , ca n’t stop the cough that breaks free . " Excuse [me]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i bring [my]0-i hands up to cover [my]0-i mouth , end up snorting . Tears roll down [my]0-i cheeks . [I]0-i sway . Shit , am [I]0-i having some kind of a nervous breakdown ? Is this a bout of hysteria ? Did n’t Freud cure hysteria by orgasms ? Is that what [I]0-i need ? [I]0-i wheeze , draw in a breath , then double over , [my]0-i shoulders shaking . " [Victoria]108-victoria , what the fuck ? "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ’s boots appear in [my]0-i line of sight — those same cowboy boots [he]47-saint ’s been wearing since the day [I]0-i met [him]47-saint . For someone who ’s a gazillionaire , [his]47-saint taste in footwear is definitely eccentric . [I]0-i resist the urge to shuffle [my]0-i feet , to squeeze [my]0-i thighs together . It is a test , all a test . It wo n’t be as bad as [he]47-saint ’s implying it ’s going to be . It ca n’t be . [He]47-saint ’s just trying to intimidate [me]0-i . [I]0-i can take anything [Saint]47-saint throws at [me]0-i and rise above it . [I]0-i can . " [I]0-i … I’m sorry , "[0-i] [I]0-i gasp , then straighten and drag the back of [my]0-i hand across [my]0-i face . " It ’s just [you]47-saint[I]0-i … "Another[0-i] bout of giggles bubbles up . [I]0-i hunch [my]0-i shoulders , try to tamp down on the laughter . More tears spill down [my]0-i cheeks . " [Saint]47-saint[I]0-i … "[0-i] The words catch in [my]0-i throat . [I]0-i try to get them out , but end up snorting again . What the hell is wrong with [me]0-i ? [I]0-i am making a bloody spectacle of [myself]0-i in front of [this man who [I]0-i am supposed to seduce]838-this man who i am supposed to seduce . [I]0-i am supposed to take on an unapproachable persona ; as close to [[my]0-i Posh Spice alter ego]839-my posh spice alter ego as possible . Instead , [I]0-i am having a complete breakdown , Kardashian style . [I]0-i laugh so hard that [my]0-i knees sway . [Saint]47-saint grabs [my]0-i shoulders , steadies [me]0-i . " Look at [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head , glance to the right , the left , anywhere else but at [him]47-saint . If [I]0-i do , [I]0-i ’ll … [I]0-i ’ll lose what little composure [I]0-i own right now . Correction , [I]0-i have zero self - possession left . [I]0-i am drained , empty , alone … Always alone . [I]0-i had [Nina]52-nina , but even that was taken away from [me]0-i . This feels so hopeless . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [my]0-i voice seems to come from far away . " [Victoria]108-victoria , the fuck is wrong with [you]47-saint ? "[0-i] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i head , glance up into those blue eyes . Burning bright . Sparks flare in their depths . Hot , [he]47-saint is so hot . Alive . [Vital]95-vital . Everything [I]0-i am not . " [You]47-saint ’re so beautiful . "[0-i] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hand and [he]47-saint catches [my]0-i wrist . [His]47-saint fingers dig into [my]0-i skin . Real . Reassuring . Solid . [He]47-saint ’ll protect [me]0-i . [He]47-saint ’ll hurt [me]0-i . [He]47-saint ’ll ground [me]0-i , show [me]0-i how to stay in the present . " [Saint]47-saint , please … "[47-saint] [My]0-i lips grow numb . [I]0-i ca n’t feel [my]0-i arms and legs anymore . " Do n’t [you]47-saint fucking faint on [me]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i chuckle , " [I]0-i never faint . "[0-i] " Liar . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint 's right , of course . The world tilts and darkness pulls [me]0-i under .

19

[Saint]47-saint

[I]0-i pace back and forth in front of the bed … [[My]0-i bed]840-my bed . [She]841-she is here , in [[my]0-i room]842-my room , in [[my]0-i suite]843-my suite . Wrapped up in [my]0-i sheets … [My]0-i heart begins to thud . [I]0-i ’ve never brought [any woman]844-any woman [here]260-here . Prefer to restrict [[my]0-i liaisons]846-my liaisons to [an impersonal hotel room that is permanently booked for [me]0-i a few floors below in [the hotel]312-the hotel]847-an impersonal hotel room that is permanently booked for me a few floors below in the hotel . So why [her]841-she ? Why is [she]841-she [the first woman [I]0-i ’ve brought to [this suite]850-this suite]849-the first woman i ’ve brought to this suite ? Maybe it ’s because [she]841-she ’s going to be [[my]0-i wife]851-my wife . Or maybe it is because of how pale [she]841-she ’d gone right before [she]841-she ’d crumpled . [Her]841-she legs had gone out from under [her]841-she and [she]841-she ’d collapsed . A dead weight . If [I]0-i had n’t been there to catch [her]841-she , [she]841-she ’d have hurt [herself]841-she . And [I]0-i ca n’t have that . Not while [I]0-i still have so much to unravel about [this woman who ’d appeared out of nowhere and entranced [me]0-i]852-this woman who ’d appeared out of nowhere and entranced me . It ’s only because [I]0-i do n’t know much about [her]841-she … except for what [I]0-i have uncovered , which has only fueled [my]0-i fascination with [her]841-she . Thankfully [she]841-she 'd woken up enough for [me]0-i to get some juice and crackers smeared with peanut butter into [her]841-she . [She]841-she 'd refused everything else , preferring instead to sleep . When was the last time [I]0-i had taken care of [anyone like this]853-anyone like this ? Never . That ’s the answer . [I]0-i ball [my]0-i fingers into fists . " What the hell are [you]841-she doing to [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[0-i] [I]0-i hear [my]0-i words and realize [I]0-i spoke them out loud . That ’s what [she]841-she ’s reduced [me]0-i to . [I]0-i am mumbling to [myself]0-i as [I]0-i fret about the health of [a woman]297-a woman [I]0-i do n’t give two fucks about . [I]0-i do n’t … [I]0-i do n’t have any emotions for [her]841-she ; no feelings . Nothing that could expose [the person [I]0-i once was]855-the person i once was … before ... the kidnapping , before [[my]0-i mother]856-my mother died . Fuck . [I]0-i shove [my]0-i hand into [my]0-i pocket . Why did [the submissive]857-the submissive cross [the road]439-the road ? Because [[her]857-the submissive master]859-her master asked [her]857-the submissive to . [My]0-i heartbeat slows . It runs and runs but can never flee … What is it ? [I]0-i snap [my]0-i fingers . [You]860-you know the answer , [you]860-you know it . Time . That ’s it . Present in the sun , but not in rain . Doing no harm , and feeling no pain . What is it ? [My]0-i breathing evens out . A shadow . [I]0-i had been a shadow of [[my]0-i former self]861-my former self … Until [I]0-i met [her]857-the submissive . [I]0-i ’m not going to let [her]857-the submissive get away , not until [I]0-i have resolved the puzzle that [she]857-the submissive is . [I]0-i walk closer and stand over [her]857-the submissive . Sweat beads [her]857-the submissive forehead . [She]857-the submissive thrashes [her]857-the submissive head from side to side ; [her]857-the submissive chest heaves . [Her]857-the submissive fingers dig into the sheets at [her]857-the submissive side . [She]857-the submissive moans and [my]0-i heart squeezes . [I]0-i cup [her]857-the submissive cheek and [her]857-the submissive eyes snap open . " No , "[857-the submissive] [she]857-the submissive wheezes . " Do n’t do it . "[857-the submissive] " Do what ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . [She]857-the submissive knocks [my]0-i hand away , rolls over , then scuttles up against the head board . " [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[857-the submissive] [She]857-the submissive swallows . " Don’t … don’t come near [me]857-the submissive . "[857-the submissive] " [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[857-the submissive] [Her]857-the submissive chin wobbles . [I]0-i switch on the lamp and light floods [the room]319-the room . [She]857-the submissive blinks at [me]0-i . " Who … who are [you]0-i ? "[857-the submissive] " [Victoria]108-victoria , it ’s [me]857-the submissive , [Saint]47-saint . "[857-the submissive] [She]857-the submissive draws in a breath . " [Saint]47-saint ? "[857-the submissive] [I]0-i nod , walk around to stand at the foot of the bed . [She]857-the submissive stares at [me]0-i , [her]857-the submissive eyes wide in [her]857-the submissive face . [Her]857-the submissive cheeks are too fucking pale . [I]0-i stalk around to where [she]857-the submissive huddles and [she]857-the submissive freezes . [Her]857-the submissive muscles seem to lock , then [she]857-the submissive hunches into [herself]857-the submissive , making [herself]857-the submissive smaller . [I]0-i reach for the bottle of water on the bed - stand and [she]857-the submissive winces . " Easy , "[857-the submissive] [I]0-i keep [my]0-i tone firm , pour a glass of water and offer it to [her]857-the submissive . [She]857-the submissive eyes it warily . " Take it . "[857-the submissive] [She]857-the submissive hesitates . [I]0-i take a sip from it . " See ? "[0-i] [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head , " It ’s safe to drink . "[0-i] [She]857-the submissive takes the glass from [me]0-i , brings it to [her]857-the submissive lips , and drains it . Some of the liquid runs down [her]857-the submissive chin . [I]0-i reach out , wipe away the wetness with [my]0-i thumb . [She]857-the submissive stays silent . [I]0-i drag [my]0-i finger across [her]857-the submissive lower lip . [Her]857-the submissive mouth opens . [I]0-i slide [my]0-i digit inside and [she]857-the submissive sucks on it . [She]857-the submissive sinks [her]857-the submissive teeth in , and fuck [me]0-i , but [I]0-i feel the tug all the way to the tip of [my]0-i dick . [I]0-i reach for the now empty glass , pry it from [her]857-the submissive fingers . [She]857-the submissive swallows . [I]0-i place the glass on the nightstand . The slight thump breaks the silence . [She]857-the submissive shudders . [I]0-i push down with [my]0-i thumb and [she]857-the submissive opens [her]857-the submissive mouth wider . [I]0-i slide in [my]0-i forefinger , [my]0-i middle finger . [She]857-the submissive swipes [her]857-the submissive tongue across them . [My]0-i shaft lengthens in [my]0-i pants ; the blood thuds at [my]0-i temples . [I]0-i pull away from [her]857-the submissive and [she]857-the submissive stiffens , watches [me]0-i from under hooded eyes as [I]0-i take a step back . " What are [you]0-i not telling [me]857-the submissive ? "[857-the submissive] [I]0-i scowl down at [her]857-the submissive . " What do [you]0-i mean ? "[0-i] [She]857-the submissive frowns back at [me]0-i . " Why did [you]0-i have that nightmare ? "[857-the submissive] " Th ... that ? "[857-the submissive] [She]857-the submissive shoves [her]857-the submissive hair back from [her]857-the submissive face . " It was ... nothing . "[857-the submissive] " [I]0-i came in to find [you]857-the submissive thrashing on the bed , begging [someone]236-someone not to come near [you]857-the submissive , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " So ? "[0-i] " Did [he]236-someone hurt [you]857-the submissive ? "[857-the submissive] " Who ? "[857-the submissive] " Do n’t pretend [you]0-i do n't know who [I]857-the submissive mean . "[857-the submissive] [She]857-the submissive tilts up [her]857-the submissive chin . " N ... no . "[857-the submissive] [She]857-the submissive swallows . " Lying to [me]857-the submissive again ? "[857-the submissive] " Of course , not . "[0-i] [I]0-i bend down , peer into [her]857-the submissive eyes , " Tell [me]0-i . What 's got [you]857-the submissive terrified , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[0-i] [I]0-i search [her]857-the submissive pale features . " Why are [you]857-the submissive trembling so much that [you]857-the submissive can barely sit upright ? "[0-i] " Maybe it 's [your]857-the submissive nearness ? "[857-the submissive] [Her]857-the submissive lips twist . " Is it ? "[857-the submissive] [I]0-i scowl . " Or maybe it 's the thought that [you]857-the submissive are going to own [your]857-the submissive dominance and show [me]0-i what [you]857-the submissive are made of ? "[0-i] [She]857-the submissive looks [me]0-i up and down . [Her]857-the submissive chin wobbles . Something hot stabs at [my]0-i chest . Fuck , is this an act [she]857-the submissive 's putting on ? When [she]857-the submissive 's hurting and unsure , and yet [she]857-the submissive 's taunting [me]0-i to get the better of [my]0-i control . " What are [you]857-the submissive hiding from [me]857-the submissive ? "[857-the submissive] [I]0-i rub the back of [my]0-i neck . " Why ca n't [you]857-the submissive tell [me]0-i what 's got [you]857-the submissive so fearful that [you]857-the submissive had to come to [me]0-i with a proposition that is so unlike [your]857-the submissive personality ? "[0-i] " [You]857-the submissive mean [someone as proper as [me]863-her]2455-someone as proper as me ? [Someone who seems so conservative]2456-someone who seems so conservative ? [I]863-her could n't know [my]863-her tastes , could [I]863-her ? "[863-her] " Do [you]857-the submissive ? "[0-i] [I]0-i lower [my]0-i hands to [my]0-i sides , " Do [you]857-the submissive know what [you]857-the submissive 're asking of [me]0-i ? Are [you]857-the submissive ready for everything [I]0-i am going to demand from [you]857-the submissive ? "[0-i] [Her]863-her chest rises and falls , [she]863-her firms [her]863-her lips . " [I]863-her could ask [you]0-i the same thing . "[863-her] [She]863-her reaches forward . " [Gigi]53-gigi ... No ... "[863-her] [She]863-her grabs [my]0-i crotch , squeezes [my]0-i erection . A groan rips out of [me]0-i . The blood thuds at [my]0-i temples . " What are [you]863-her doing ? "[863-her] " What does it seem like ? "[863-her] [She]863-her brings up [her]863-her other hand to massage [my]0-i balls and [my]0-i vision tunnels . " [Gigi]53-gigi , "[863-her] [I]0-i warn [her]863-her . " [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] [She]863-her peers up at [me]0-i from under [her]863-her sooty eyelashes . " [I]863-her 've seen enough porn online to know what turns [me]863-her on . [I]863-her 've spent [my]863-her life trying to fit in , trying to be something [I]863-her am not . [I]863-her need [you]863-her to set [me]863-her free , want [you]863-her to let [me]863-her embrace [my]863-her fantasies , [I]863-her want [this Saint]2457-this saint , [I]863-her — "[863-her] " Take [your]863-her hands off of [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i snap . [She]863-her blinks . " Now . "[863-her] [She]863-her pulls back , [her]863-her face , pale . " [I]863-her ... [I]863-her 'm sorry . "[863-her] " Show [me]863-her . "[863-her] " What ? "[863-her] [She]863-her drops [her]863-her hands in [her]863-her lap . " Show [me]863-her [you]863-her understand what [you]863-her ’re asking for . "[863-her] " But [I]863-her ... [I]863-her meant it . "[863-her] [She]863-her blinks rapidly . " [I]863-her ... do want [you]863-her . "[863-her] " [You]863-her do n't get to set the pace . "[0-i] [I]0-i prop [my]0-i hands on [my]0-i hips . " [You]863-her feel [me]0-i ? "[0-i] " B ... but . "[863-her] [She]863-her wrings [her]863-her hands together . " [I]863-her — "[863-her] " On [your]863-her knees . "[0-i] [She]863-her draws in a breath . " Now . "[863-her] [She]863-her scrambles to the floor , fingers twisted in front , head bowed , [her]863-her dark hair flowing about [her]863-her shoulders . " Beautiful . "[863-her] A visible shiver runs up [her]863-her spine . [I]0-i unhook [my]0-i belt , lower [my]0-i zipper , a moan bleeds from [her]863-her , and fuck [me]0-i , but [I]0-i ca n’t wait any more . [I]0-i wrap [her]863-her hair around [my]0-i palm , yank . [Her]863-her head falls back , [her]863-her gaze wide . Color flushes [her]863-her cheeks . " Open , "[0-i] [I]0-i demand . [Her]863-her lips part . Fuck , the way [she]863-her looks right now ? [My]0-i heart begins to race . " [I]0-i ’m going to fuck [your]863-her mouth , now . "[0-i] [Her]863-her gaze widens and [she]863-her draws in a breath as if to say something . [I]0-i do n’t wait . [I]0-i thrust [my]0-i dick between [her]863-her lips . Warmth , heat . Goosebumps explode on [my]0-i skin . " Fuck , "[0-i] [I]0-i grit [my]0-i teeth and sweat beads [my]0-i forehead . " Fuck , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[863-her] [She]863-her swallows , and the suction sweeps up [my]0-i spine . [My]0-i groin hardens and [my]0-i thigh muscles spasm . [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i grip on [her]863-her hair . " Do [you]863-her have any idea what [you]863-her do to [my]0-i control ? "[0-i] [Her]863-her nostrils flare , [she]863-her tips [her]863-her chin up , and [her]863-her eyes dart green fire . " [I]863-her ’m going to use [your]863-her mouth and [you]863-her ’re going to take it , and when [I]863-her come , [you]863-her are going to swallow every last drop . "[863-her] [Her]863-her chest rises and falls ; the pulse races at the base of [her]863-her neck . The sweet scent of [her]863-her arousal envelops [me]0-i and [my]0-i balls tighten . [My]0-i vision narrows , [my]0-i chest hurts , and fuck [her]863-her , but [I]0-i ca n’t hold back any more . [I]0-i pull [her]863-her forward ; [my]0-i dick slides down [her]863-her throat . [I]0-i yank [her]863-her back and [her]863-her teeth graze the soft skin of [my]0-i shaft . Tendrils of fire race up [my]0-i spine . [I]0-i use [her]863-her mouth , repeat the motion , again and again , then once more . Spit gathers at the corner of [her]863-her lips , overflows down [her]863-her chin . [She]863-her sucks in [her]863-her cheeks and [my]0-i balls draw up . " Jesus , fuck , [I]863-her ’m coming . "[863-her] [I]0-i wrap the fingers of [my]0-i other hand around [her]863-her neck , then drag [her]863-her forward . The sight of [my]0-i dick disappearing in between [her]863-her wet swollen lips , combined with the vibration of [my]0-i cock down [her]863-her throat … Bloody hell , it ’s the most erotic thing ever . [My]0-i scalp tingles , [my]0-i knees tremble , and the coiled tension from [my]0-i groin explodes out . [I]0-i come , shooting [my]0-i spunk down [her]863-her throat . " Swallow it , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl , " Do it , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [Her]863-her throat moves and tears roll down [her]863-her cheeks , as [I]0-i keep coming . [She]863-her swallows down [my]0-i cum . The sticky liquid spills over the edges of [her]863-her mouth . [Her]863-her breathing roughens , [her]863-her fingers curled into fists at [her]863-her sides . [I]0-i pull out , and the white streams of cum spray across [her]863-her face , [her]863-her clothes . [She]863-her licks [her]863-her lips , back straight , shoulders squared . [Her]863-her hair sticks to [her]863-her forehead . [I]0-i grab [her]863-her under [her]863-her arms , yank [her]863-her to [her]863-her tiptoes , and close [my]0-i mouth over [hers]863-her . The taste of [myself]0-i combined with [her]863-her sweet breath , the honeyed taste of [her]863-her lips , the complex notes of [our]864-our joined - up essences … All of it sinks into [me]0-i . Something stirs in [my]0-i chest . No , no . [I]0-i will not be drawn to [her]863-her . Will not allow [myself]0-i to feel for [her]863-her . Will not allow [her]863-her to reach though the carefully cultivated layers to find the part of [me]0-i [I]0-i have guarded for so long . [I]0-i tear [my]0-i lips from [hers]863-her , scan [her]863-her flushed features . [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head , " [I]0-i hate [you]863-her . "[0-i]

20

[Victoria]108-victoria

With those few words [he]865-he shatters the peace that [I]0-i ’d found in [his]865-he arms . When [I]0-i 'd opened up to [him]865-he , and asked [him]865-he to set [me]0-i free ... [I]0-i 'd meant it . Until that moment [I]0-i had n't realized how much [I]0-i 'd wanted to let go of [my]0-i inhibitions , to not worry about what [the world]212-the world thought of [me]0-i , to revel in what turned [me]0-i on and own it ... if this was the chance to do it , then [I]0-i was going to embrace it . Then [he]865-he 'd gone and said those three words . " What ? "[865-he] [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head , " Why would [you]865-he say that ? "[0-i] " Because … [I]865-he can ? "[865-he] [He]865-he lets go of [me]0-i so quickly , that [I]0-i stumble . The backs of [my]0-i knees hit the bed and [I]0-i sit down with a thump . " [I]865-he[I]865-he do n’t understand . "[865-he] [He]865-he zips up [his]865-he pants , then yanks off the belt . The leather whips through the air and [I]0-i eye it warily . If [he]865-he thinks [I]0-i am going to be afraid of [his]865-he implied threat , [he]865-he has another think coming . " Is this another one of [your]0-i games , [Saint]47-saint ? "[865-he] [He]865-he bares [his]865-he teeth , " Is that what [you]0-i think it is , [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[865-he] [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i melting pussy together , " [I]0-i[I]0-i do n’t know what to think . "[0-i] " Good . "[865-he] [He]865-he folds the strip of leather , then jerks [his]865-he chin towards the settee in [the room]319-the room . " What ? "[865-he] [I]0-i frown . " Lean over it . "[865-he] " [You]0-i must be joking . "[865-he] [He]865-he glares at [me]0-i and the blood rushes from [my]0-i cheeks . Guess not . [I]0-i rise to [my]0-i feet . Move . Do it . [I]0-i force [myself]0-i to take a step toward it , then stop , " Give [me]0-i one reason [I]0-i should agree to [your]865-he stupid ideas ? "[0-i] The belt whips out , catches [me]0-i across [my]0-i breasts . [I]0-i cry out , stare at [him]865-he . [My]0-i nipples harden . [He]865-he glances at [my]0-i chest , and [his]865-he lips twitch . " That ’s what [I]865-he thought . [You]0-i like it , do n’t [you]0-i ? "[865-he] [He]865-he reaches out and pinches one of [my]0-i rigid nipples . [I]0-i yell , " Jesus . "[0-i] [He]865-he laughs . " [Your]0-i ego is so big that [I]0-i wonder [you]0-i have n’t been crushed by the weight of it yet , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . " That ’s what [I]0-i think every time [I]0-i look at [my]0-i — "[0-i] [He]865-he looks down at [his]865-he crotch . " Seriously ? "[865-he] [He]865-he jerks [his]865-he chin toward the settee , " Go on . "[865-he] [I]0-i swallow . [He]865-he raises [his]865-he belt ; [I]0-i head toward [the blasted settee]868-the blasted settee . [I]0-i hear the whine through the air a second before pain grips [my]0-i backside . [I]0-i stutter , speed up [my]0-i pace . When [I]0-i reach the settee , [I]0-i pause . [I]0-i hear [his]865-he footsteps behind [me]0-i . Shit . [I]0-i fall forward until [I]0-i am draped over the arm . Butt in the air . Bloody hell , what have [I]0-i gotten [myself]0-i into ? Had [I]0-i known [he]865-he had this streak of meanness running through [him]865-he from the beginning ? Had [I]0-i sensed it ? Wanted it , even ? Wanted [him]865-he to strip [me]0-i of all dignity , to tear down the pretense [I]0-i had clung to , that [I]0-i was in control ? Because [I]0-i ’m not . [I]0-i have n’t been . Not since the day [Nina]52-nina disappeared . [I]0-i did n’t know what had happened to [her]52-nina and [I]0-i allowed [my]0-i mind to go to all of the usual places , picturing [her]52-nina lying in a ditch somewhere next to [an overturned car]869-an overturned car , crying for help . [I]0-i allowed [my]0-i fears to create a story that could n’t possibly be true . Only to find out the truth was much worse than [I]0-i could have ever imagined . [They]870-they ’d taken [her]52-nina . And then ... because [I]0-i just would n’t give up and kept looking for [her]52-nina , insisting [the police]2087-the police do [their]2087-the police job ... [they]870-they took [me]0-i . [My]0-i entire life had unraveled around [me]0-i . And [I]0-i had watched , helpless , unable to save [her]52-nina or [myself]0-i . [A part of [me]0-i]829-a part of me had fought back and clung to something indistinct , had wanted to hope that [I]0-i was still there , hidden inside . [The girl who was [a fighter , who had never backed down from a challenge]874-a fighter , who had never backed down from a challenge]873-the girl who was a fighter , who had never backed down from a challenge . The part [I]0-i cling to now when [he]875-he jerks [my]0-i skirt up [my]0-i legs . Air hits [my]0-i exposed back side . A beat . Another . [He]875-he has n’t moved from [his]875-he position behind [me]0-i . [I]0-i sense [his]875-he presence though . Hard . Heavy . Throbbing . That immovable dominance that vibrates off of [him]875-he and pins [me]0-i in place . Waiting … waiting . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i thighs together , hear the whine of the belt as [he]875-he snaps it . [I]0-i cringe , clench [my]0-i buttcheeks . [He]875-he laughs , " Fooled [you]0-i , hmm ? "[875-he] " [Asshole]2374-asshole . "[875-he] " What was that ? "[875-he] " Nothing , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . " So much sass , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[0-i] Hate the name … No , [I]0-i lie . It does strange things to [me]0-i when [he]875-he calls [me]0-i that . [I]0-i ’ve always been [Victoria]108-victoria . [I]0-i ’d hated being called [Tory]82-tory , especially by [them]876-them . And [no one]2059-no one bothered to find a nickname for [me]0-i … before [him]875-he . [I]0-i sense [his]875-he gaze on [my]0-i back , down the crease between [my]0-i buttcheeks where [my]0-i panties are bunched up . [I]0-i reach behind to pull it out and [he]875-he clicks [his]875-he tongue . [I]0-i redden . Shit , [I]0-i hate that . Hate it when [he]875-he demeans [me]0-i . Treats [me]0-i like [I]0-i am [[his]875-he toy]878-his toy , [his]875-he slut . [His]875-he . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i eyes shut . Where did that thought come from ? [My]0-i sex clenches ; [my]0-i belly quivers . Why do [I]0-i find that a turn on ? [I]0-i am sick in the head , no doubt about it . Is that why [I]0-i am here , doing what [he]875-he wants … waiting … Waiting for [him]875-he to take the next step . To do something … anything … whatever [he]875-he wants to [me]0-i . [I]0-i swallow , " [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] " Shh ! "[875-he] [His]875-he whisper comes from somewhere above [me]0-i . [I]0-i turn [my]0-i head to find [him]875-he staring at [my]0-i butt . " [You]0-i ’re fucking beautiful , [you]0-i know that ? "[875-he] [His]875-he voice is contemplative . There ’s an intensity to it that sends a shudder down [my]0-i spine . [My]0-i stomach flip flops and goosebumps rise on [my]0-i skin . " [Saint]47-saint … "[0-i] [I]0-i clear [my]0-i throat . " Please … "[0-i] " Hmm . "[875-he] [He]875-he rolls [his]875-he neck and [his]875-he joints pop . [I]0-i wince . It ’s like a declaration of what is to come . The calm before the storm . The silence before the tsunami hits [the shore]879-the shore . Do it , do it . Do n’t delay . " [I]0-i know what [you]0-i want , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] " [You]0-i do ? "[875-he] [He]875-he nods , " And [I]875-he ’ll give it to [you]0-i . Every single experience that [you]0-i ache for , [I]875-he promise [you]0-i ’ll have it … And some [you]0-i do n’t dare even think about , though in [your]0-i heart [you]0-i want it . Know what [I]875-he mean ? "[875-he] [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth to speak , but the words dry up . [My]0-i entire body braces … [My]0-i muscles wind up , toes digging into the carpet . [My]0-i clit pulses and [my]0-i pussy squeezes down , wanting … needing [him]875-he . [His]875-he cock . [His]875-he fingers . [His]875-he thick thighs between [mine]0-i as [he]875-he tears into [me]0-i with [his]875-he cock . Moisture flows from between [my]0-i legs and [I]0-i ca n’t stop the whine that spills from [me]0-i . " [Good girl]2094-good girl , "[875-he] [he]875-he growls . [I]0-i shudder . " [I]0-i promise [you]0-i ’ll get what [you]0-i deserve … but first ... "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " First , answer this riddle . "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl at the back of [my]0-i throat . Enough with the stupid riddles already . " Did [you]875-he say something , [pet]2460-pet ? "[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head , bite down on [my]0-i lower lip and turn away . Fuck [him]875-he , and [his]875-he ability to reduce [me]0-i to a trembling mass of need . [My]0-i skin feels too tight for the rest of [my]0-i body . [My]0-i scalp feels like it ’s on fire . [I]0-i rub [my]0-i thighs together and [he]875-he laughs , " Look at [you]0-i . So impatient , hmm ? "[875-he] Get on with it already . " About that riddle . "[875-he] Fuck off . " Soon , but first tell [me]0-i ... The more [you]0-i take , the more [you]0-i leave behind . What is it ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . Of course , [my]0-i mind goes straight to that one thing . Could it be ? Is it ? " [[You]0-i dirty girl]2461-you dirty girl , "[875-he] [he]875-he chuckles . " [I]875-he know what [you]0-i ’re thinking , but it ’s not that . It ’s so easy , [Gigi]53-gigi . Go on , take a shot . "[875-he] " Um , "[0-i] [I]0-i try to form the word , but [my]0-i throat is too dry . It is , is it … ? " Footsteps , of course . "[0-i] [I]0-i sag onto the couch . [Jerk]48-jerk . “ One more , one more . "[48-jerk] [He]875-he comes around , brushes aside [my]0-i hair . " [You]875-he ready , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[875-he] [I]0-i glare at [him]875-he . [He]875-he smirks , " Oh , but [you]0-i ’re getting there , are n’t [you]0-i ? "[875-he] [I]0-i shoot [him]875-he a glance meant to convey exactly where [he]875-he can take [his]875-he dick and stuff it … Up [my]0-i arse . Hell . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i eyes shut . Why , why is it that [I]0-i am empty and hollow and aching inside , even as every part of [me]0-i wants to slap [his]875-he stupid , handsome face ? Right before [I]0-i throw [myself]0-i at [his]875-he feet and ask [him]875-he to lick [me]0-i up , eat [me]0-i up , slap [my]0-i cunt , drink from it … " Ohhh . "[0-i] [I]0-i hear [my]0-i whine , so pathetic . " [You]0-i ’re gorgeous , [sweet thing]2462-sweet thing . "[0-i] [I]0-i crack [my]0-i eyelids open . Beseech [him]875-he with [my]0-i gaze . Please , please . [He]875-he straightens , " Not yet . "[875-he] [I]0-i ca n’t stop the snarl that rips from [me]0-i then . " [My]875-he god , "[875-he] [I]0-i hear [him]875-he breathe from above [me]0-i . " So much spirit , so much beauty , so much everything [you]0-i are , [Gigi]53-gigi . [You]0-i ’ll be the death of [me]875-he . "[875-he] [I]0-i swallow . Is [he]875-he aware of the likely truth in [his]875-he words ? [No one]2059-no one 's ever focused [their]2059-no one complete attention on [me]0-i , made [me]0-i the cynosure of [their]2059-no one ministration in this manner before . A tear squeezes out of the corner of [my]0-i eye . [He]875-he bends down , scoops it up . [He]875-he sucks on [his]875-he finger and [my]0-i heart stutters . Why is that so damn intimate ? " About that riddle , then . "[0-i] [I]0-i blow out a breath . " It ’s easy , [I]0-i promise . "[0-i] Famous last words … Whatever . Can [you]881-you get over it already ? " [I]875-he am what [you]0-i saw , but not what [you]0-i see . What am [I]875-he ? "[875-he] [He]875-he asks . A shadow . A mirage . An emotion from the end of time . It ’s [you]881-you , [Saint]47-saint , [you]881-you . [He]875-he nods , " A memory , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[875-he] [His]875-he features twist . " And [I]875-he am going to leave [you]0-i with so many that it will drown out everything and everyone that came before [me]875-he , [I]875-he promise . "[875-he] [I]0-i hear [him]875-he move , sense [him]875-he bend , the heat of [his]875-he body intensifying a second before [he]875-he tears off [my]0-i panties . What the — ? [I]0-i hear the whip of the belt , then the fire explodes across [my]0-i butt , up [my]0-i spine . [I]0-i cry out . [He]875-he does n’t stop . [He]875-he goes at it — one butt cheek , the other , back to the first — [I]0-i scream again . The next — [I]0-i shriek . Each time [he]875-he hits [me]0-i , [my]0-i body jolts forward . [My]0-i sex clenches . A trembling builds from [my]0-i toes . [He]875-he spanks [me]0-i so hard that [my]0-i body pushes up to [my]0-i tip toes . [My]0-i clit rubs against the hard edge of the settee , and omigod ! A quivering sweeps up from [my]0-i toes . It ca n’t be . There ’s no way [he]875-he has brought [me]0-i to the verge of orgasm so quickly , right ? [He]875-he leans back and the cool air grazes [my]0-i butt . [He]875-he dips [his]875-he fingers into [my]0-i exposed pussy . [I]0-i shudder . " [You]0-i ’re fucking wet for [me]875-he . "[875-he] [I]0-i ball [my]0-i fingers into fists . " [You]875-he want [my]0-i dick inside [you]875-he . Do n’t [you]875-he , [[you]875-he little slut]2463-you little slut ? "[0-i] [I]0-i shudder . How dare [he]875-he call [me]0-i that ? [My]0-i sex clenches around [his]875-he finger . Why do [I]0-i like it so much ? [He]875-he adds a second finger inside and [my]0-i trembling intensifies . " Say it , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[875-he] " No . "[875-he] [He]875-he adds a third , a fourth , the emptiness at [my]0-i core growing bigger , wider . [I]0-i want more . [I]0-i want [his]875-he fat cock inside of [me]0-i . [I]0-i do . A sob wells up . " Admit [you]53-gigi want to be taken in every way possible . [You]53-gigi want [me]875-he to debase [you]53-gigi , to show [you]53-gigi exactly what it means for [a woman]297-a woman to be open and vulnerable and completely broken down by [[her]297-a woman man]2465-her man . "[875-he] Is [he]875-he [[my]0-i man]882-my man ? Is [he]875-he ? " Tell [me]875-he , [Gigi]53-gigi . Tell [me]875-he [you]53-gigi need this , to be split wide open for all of [your]53-gigi hurts to pour out , for [your]53-gigi insecurities to be drawn out of [you]53-gigi , for [your]53-gigi every nightmare to be exposed , [your]53-gigi spirit broken and yearning ... for [me]875-he . "[875-he] No . " Tell [me]875-he [you]53-gigi want [me]875-he to remove every evidence of [other men]2466-other men and replace it with pain , and more pain ; to gouge out every thought , every emotion , every feeling [you]53-gigi ’ve ever carried for [anyone else]369-anyone else but [me]875-he . Tell [me]875-he [you]53-gigi want [me]875-he to fuck [your]53-gigi past out of [you]53-gigi . "[875-he] " No . "[883-he] " Liar . "[883-he] The heat at [my]0-i back escalates . [He]883-he stabs [his]883-he tongue in between [my]0-i arsecheeks and the climax propels up [my]0-i thighs . [My]0-i vision narrows and [my]0-i heart stutters . No , how can [he]883-he ? Why is [he]883-he doing this ? Why is [he]883-he insisting on barreling into [[my]0-i deepest , darkest , most intimate of spaces]884-my deepest , darkest , most intimate of spaces ? [He]883-he laves [my]0-i most forbidden place and [I]0-i throw back [my]0-i head . The orgasm coils in [my]0-i belly ; [my]0-i thighs clench . [He]883-he pulls away and it recedes . What the — ? [My]0-i eyelids — which [I]0-i had n’t realized [I]0-i ’d shut — fly open . [I]0-i turn around to find [him]883-he tugging on [his]883-he shirt sleeves . [He]883-he flicks a spot of invisible dust from [his]883-he shoulders , and a hot molten wave of anger explodes inside [me]0-i . " How dare [you]883-he … ? "[0-i] [I]0-i sputter . [He]883-he licks [his]883-he lower lip and heat sweeps up [my]0-i front from throat to hair line . Is [he]883-he recalling [my]0-i taste ? Showing [me]0-i what [I]0-i could have , and withholding it from [me]0-i purposely for … What ? To put [me]0-i in [my]0-i place ? To show [me]0-i what [I]0-i ca n’t have ? The anger thrums close to [my]0-i heart and [my]0-i chest tightens . " Why ? "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl " Why are [you]883-he doing this ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i do n’t get to ask the questions . "[883-he] " [I]883-he am tired of [your]0-i treating [me]883-he like … like ... "[883-he] [He]883-he angles [his]883-he head . " Go on , complete that statement . "[883-he] [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth and [he]883-he raises a finger , " But remember , one wrong word and [I]883-he ’ll walk away . And [we]2468-we both know [you]0-i ca n’t afford that . "[883-he] [My]0-i heart begins to race . What does [he]883-he know ? How much has [he]883-he guessed ? Why does [he]883-he always remind [me]0-i of everything [I]0-i have to lose if this arrangement goes wrong ? [I]0-i stare at [him]883-he and [he]883-he chuckles , " Wise choice , [little Gigi]53-gigi . "[883-he] " [I]883-he hate that name . "[883-he] " Lying again ? "[883-he] [He]883-he clicks [his]883-he tongue . " What are [you]883-he going to do ? "[883-he] [I]0-i jut out [my]0-i chin . [His]883-he nostrils flare as [he]883-he rakes [his]883-he gaze over [my]0-i semi - naked body . A flush heats [my]0-i skin , but [I]0-i refuse to move . [I]0-i will not give [him]883-he the benefit of discovering how much [he]883-he ’s unnerving [me]0-i . [I]0-i grit [my]0-i teeth . Stay , stay . [He]883-he cracks [his]883-he knuckles and [my]0-i belly clenches . [He]883-he takes a step forward . Everything in [me]0-i waits ... waits . Close the distance , [[you]883-he bastard]2101-you bastard . Do it … Do it , now . [He]883-he raises [his]883-he hand . The buzzing of a cellphone cuts through the thick silence . [My]0-i nerve endings pop . [He]883-he slides [his]883-he phone out of the pocket of [his]883-he slacks . " This had better be important . "[883-he] [His]883-he eyebrows furrow as [he]883-he listens . [He]883-he drags [his]883-he gaze down to [my]0-i bare butt cheeks . [His]883-he pupils darken . Does [he]883-he want [me]0-i that much ? If [I]0-i ’m so affected by [his]883-he presence , surely , [he]883-he is too . Is n’t that why [he]883-he ’s strung [me]0-i along so far ? [He]883-he has n’t allowed [me]0-i to get close , but [he]883-he has n’t pushed [me]0-i away either . [He]883-he ’s toying with [me]0-i . Not that it surprises [me]0-i at all . [I]0-i did n’t expect more from this … this beast . But why is [he]883-he putting [himself]883-he through the same kind of torture that [I]0-i am experiencing ? Why ca n’t [he]883-he take [me]0-i and be done with it ? Why drag this out until neither of [us]886-us can bear it ? [He]883-he raises [his]883-he hand , and [I]0-i am sure [he]883-he ’s going to palm [my]0-i butt , to resume where [he]883-he left off . " [They]2469-they did what ? "[883-he] [he]883-he snaps into the phone . Color pops on [his]883-he cheeks . [His]883-he jaw tics . What the — ? What could it be that has gotten that kind of reaction — hell , any kind of reaction — from [him]883-he ? [He]883-he straightens so quickly that [I]0-i wince . " [I]0-i ’m coming … "[0-i] [I]0-i splutter . [He]883-he slides the phone into [his]883-he pocket , pivots , turns to go , and [I]0-i jump to [my]0-i feet , " [You]883-he ca n’t do this . "[883-he] [He]883-he takes another step forward . [My]0-i heart hammers so fast , [I]0-i am sure it ’s going to jump out of [my]0-i ribcage . [I]0-i race around [him]883-he , plant [myself]0-i in [his]883-he path , " [You]883-he ca n’t leave [me]0-i like this . "[0-i] [He]883-he surveys [me]0-i from head to toe , then bends . [I]0-i stumble back . [He]883-he straightens , tosses a scrap of fabric in [my]0-i direction . [My]0-i panties flop against [my]0-i chest . " [You]0-i ’ll come when [I]883-he let [you]0-i , and not before . "[883-he] [He]883-he saunters past [me]0-i to the door . [Bastard]96-bastard . [He]883-he reaches the door and [my]0-i pulse rate ratchets up . Surely , [he]883-he is not going to walk away , while [I]0-i am hungry and aching and wanting … wanting . [My]0-i skin feels too tight for the rest of [my]0-i body . [His]883-he massive shoulders fill the doorway . [I]0-i take in [his]883-he narrow waist , the tight fit of [his]883-he pants cross [his]883-he gorgeous arse … [My]0-i sex clenches . [I]0-i inch [my]0-i fingers toward [my]0-i clit . [He]883-he raises [his]883-he hand over [his]883-he shoulder , " Do n’t [you]0-i dare , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[883-he] " What ? "[883-he] " [You]0-i will not bring [yourself]0-i to orgasm . Have [you]0-i forgotten about that ? "[883-he] " The hell ? "[883-he] " Hell is when [I]883-he bring [you]0-i to the edge of coming a few more times , when [you]0-i walk around throbbing for [my]883-he dick to fill [you]0-i up , for [my]883-he lips on [you]0-i , [my]883-he fingers inside [your]0-i arsehole , for every part of [me]883-he teasing [you]0-i up the slope only to … "[883-he] " To , "[0-i] [I]0-i breathe . " To leave [you]883-he unfulfilled , of course . "[883-he] [He]883-he shoulders open the door . [I]0-i walk [my]0-i fingers toward [my]0-i center once more . " If [you]883-he disobey [me]0-i[I]0-i ’ll … "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " What ? What will [you]883-he do ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i ’ll punish [you]0-i and the spankings [you]0-i ’ve received so far will seem like [I]0-i ’ve been teasing [you]0-i all along . "[0-i] " As if [you]883-he ’d know , "[0-i] [I]0-i scoff . [He]883-he turns to survey [me]0-i , " Oh , trust [me]883-he , [I]883-he will . [Your]0-i every orgasm belongs to [me]883-he from now on . Do [you]0-i understand ? "[883-he]

21

[Saint]47-saint

" Fuck , fuck , fuck . "[0-i] [I]0-i swear as [I]0-i swipe [myself]0-i from root to head . [My]0-i dick lengthens and [my]0-i balls throb . [I]0-i slap [my]0-i other hand against the wall of [the restroom on [the ground floor of [the hotel]312-the hotel]888-the ground floor of the hotel]887-the restroom on the ground floor of the hotel . [Pathetic]97-pathetic . [I]0-i ’d walked out of [[my]0-i suite]843-my suite , commanding [her]891-her not to come . The call could not be put off ; so [I]0-i had made it out , completed [my]0-i errand , and returned to [the hotel]312-the hotel , in record time . But damn if [I]0-i am heading back to [[my]0-i room]842-my room . [I]0-i do not need [her]891-her . [I]0-i am not dependent on [her]891-her . No way am [I]0-i going to allow [her]891-her to see how vulnerable [I]0-i am with [her]891-her . Which means [I]0-i ’m left [me]0-i with balls the size of all the number one hits of [The Beatles]536-the beatles put together … Fuck , had [I]0-i thought that ? [The woman]2107-the woman ’s affliction for [those losers]896-those losers is getting to [me]0-i . [I]0-i have to fuck [her]891-her out of [my]0-i system … Or at least , jerk [her]891-her out , to get relief . So , [I]0-i ’d walked into [the men ’s restroom]897-the men ’s restroom and locked the door behind [me]0-i . [I]0-i blow out a breath , then scan [my]0-i reflection in the mirror — dilated pupils , irregular breathing , a sheen of sweat dampening [my]0-i brow ... Fuck . What a dumb idea it had been to think [I]0-i could get through this unscathed . [I]0-i ’d thought [I]0-i was in control … How wrong [I]0-i had been . [I]0-i ’d thought [I]0-i could keep [her]891-her close , so [I]0-i could steer the proceedings , slow the pace when needed . Fuck , fucking fuck . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i cock and pain grips [my]0-i groin . [I]0-i massage [myself]0-i once again . The blood thrums through [my]0-i veins and [my]0-i pulse rate ratchets up . The scent of [her]891-her — sweet and sexy , warm and giving , and opening to [me]0-i — clings to [my]0-i nostrils , percolates into [my]0-i skin , winds its way down to coil in [my]0-i groin . [My]0-i thighs spasm and [my]0-i balls draw up . [Her]891-her green eyes — beseeching , half - drugged with lust , stormy with anger . The sound of wet flesh closing around [my]0-i fingers . [Her]891-her mouth around [my]0-i dick , sucking on [me]0-i , dragging [her]891-her teeth up the underside of [my]0-i swollen shaft . [Her]891-her slickness , [her]891-her little moans , [her]891-her head thrown back as [she]891-her ’d verged on the edge of climax . The tension in [my]0-i belly twists in on itself . [I]0-i squeeze the base of [my]0-i cock harder . Fuck [me]0-i , but [I]0-i am going to come , [I]0-i am going to — A banging on the door filters into [my]0-i consciousness . [I]0-i ignore it , focus on [my]0-i own pleasure — how [I]0-i am going to thrust forward into [her]891-her sweet cunt , rip into [her]891-her melting pussy and — " [Saint]47-saint , open up this second , [[you]47-saint asshole]556-you asshole . "[0-i] [I]0-i whip [my]0-i head around , stare at the closed door , " Fuck off . "[0-i] " If [you]47-saint do n’t open it , [I]0-i am going to kick this door down . "[0-i] " It ’s an antique door , [you tosser]2471-you tosser . "[0-i] Not that [I]0-i fucking care about the money . [I]0-i could replace it , of course , but damn , if [I]0-i do n’t have a soft spot for history and heritage … and all that emo shit … [And beautiful women who hurt from the inside out , who pretend to be strong when [they]898-and beautiful women who hurt from the inside out , who pretend to be strong when they are already broken are already broken]898-and beautiful women who hurt from the inside out , who pretend to be strong when they are already broken . Since when had [I]0-i given in to the urge to collect wounded things to [[my]0-i collection]899-my collection ? There ’s another bang and the entire door frame shudders . " [I]62-weston swear , [I]62-weston ’ll take it out of [your]47-saint share of the profits , [wanker]2472-wanker . "[62-weston] " [You]2472-wanker ’re [the wanker]2473-the wanker , beating [yourself]2472-wanker in there into [your]2472-wanker hand like a pathetic pussy . "[62-weston] " [Bitch]2474-bitch , "[0-i] [I]0-i swear aloud . " [I]0-i heard that , [[you]2472-wanker tosser]2471-you tosser . "[0-i] [Fucking Weston]62-weston . [I]0-i tuck [my]0-i erect dick inside [my]0-i pants and zip [myself]0-i up . Then stalk over to the door and fling it open . [Weston]62-weston brushes past [me]0-i and glides inside , looking for all [the world]212-the world like [he]62-weston ’s stepped out of a fucking photo shoot . " Jesus , do [you]0-i have to deck [yourself]0-i out like a peacock every time [you]0-i step out ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston leans a hip against one of [the basin ’s]901-the basin ’s , " Unlike [you]0-i , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston glances down pointedly at [my]0-i worn - in boots , " [I]62-weston prefer to be prepared . "[62-weston] " [I]62-weston happen to have interesting taste . "[62-weston] " Including in [women]2103-women ? "[62-weston] " Do n’t talk about [her]2103-women , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . [He]62-weston smirks , " That why [you]0-i ’re diddling [yourself]0-i in secret ? "[62-weston] The back of [my]0-i neck heats , " [I]62-weston was n’t . "[62-weston] Fucking fuck , now [I]0-i sound — what?—about fifteen ? When [I]0-i had to beat [myself]0-i off to sleep most nights . [Weston]62-weston chuckles , then sniffs the air , " [I]62-weston do n’t know ... Smells like sex in here ... the self - gratifying kind , [I]62-weston mean . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston makes a rude gesture with [his]62-weston hand . " Did n’t know [you]0-i had to resort to that to get some these days . "[62-weston] [I]0-i glower at [him]62-weston , " [I]0-i told [you]62-weston [I]0-i was n’t . "[0-i] " So why did [you]62-weston lock the door ? "[62-weston] " Because … "[0-i] [I]0-i pull [myself]0-i up to [my]0-i full height , " the last [I]0-i checked , [I]0-i own [this hotel]2477-this hotel . "[0-i] " Which [you]0-i ’re going to run into the ground by the looks of it , "[62-weston] a new voice sounds . [I]0-i groan . [I]0-i do n’t need to turn to know it ’s [Arpad]75-arpad who ’s walked in . " The hell are [you]0-i doing [here]260-here ? "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad saunters in , " [Weston]62-weston seemed to think [he]62-weston ’d need back - up . "[75-arpad] " And that ’s [you]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i smirk . " No , that ’s [us]2479-us , "[0-i] [Damian]50-damian moseys in . [I]0-i scowl . " Why ’d [you]0-i have to bring [him]62-weston along ? "[0-i] [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin toward [Edward]74-edward , who strolls in . [He]74-edward kicks the door shut , then leans [his]74-edward shoulder against [him]74-edward . " What ? "[74-edward] [I]0-i take in [their]902-their faces , then fold [my]0-i arms over [my]0-i chest . " Whatever it is , the answer is ‘ no . ’ "[0-i] " [I]75-arpad did n’t ask a question , "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad grins . " Any of [you]754-the others hear a question ? "[75-arpad] [The others]754-the others chime in . " Nope . "[754-the others] " Nah . "[0-i] " Naw . "[0-i] [I]0-i tap the toes of [my]0-i boot on the ground . " Well ? Say [your]0-i piece , [you dickheads]2480-you dickheads . [I]0-i have an appointment to keep . "[0-i] " Correction , [you]74-edward ran out of the earlier meeting before [we]2481-we could discuss [FOK investments]25-fok investments , so [we]2481-we decided to move [the venue]2482-the venue , "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward says . " To [a restroom]2483-a restroom ... And [here]260-here [I]74-edward thought this was an intervention . "[74-edward] " Nothing like [a public toilet]2485-a public toilet to remind [us]2481-we of the kind of shit [we]2481-we 've faced since [the fuckers]2486-the fuckers changed [our]2481-we lives in the incident and … "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston stalks over to one of the urinals , " [we]2481-we ’re not done with the intervention . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston lowers [his]62-weston zipper , then the tinkle of piss hitting porcelain fills [the room]319-the room . " [Jesus Fucking Christ]98-jesus , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " Do n’t take [the Lord]2487-the lord ’s name in conjunction with a profanity , "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward admonishes . " Sorry , [Father]99-father . How many Hail [Mary]100-mary ’s should [I]74-edward say to repent ? "[74-edward] " None , this time , "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward looks down [his]74-edward nose at [me]0-i , " but [you]0-i can tell [us]2481-we what ’s got [you]0-i all aflutter . "[74-edward] " Aflutter ? "[0-i] [I]0-i choke . [Damian]50-damian laughs . [The others]754-the others snicker . [Weston]62-weston flushes the urinal , then walks over to wash [his]62-weston hands , " How else do [you]0-i explain [your]0-i running out on [us]2481-we earlier , only to surface locked up in [a restroom]2483-a restroom , jerking off ? "[62-weston] [The room]319-the room explodes in laughter . " [You]0-i walked in on [this wanker]2489-this wanker wanking [himself]2489-this wanker off ? "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad chortles . " Fuck , that ’s funny . "[50-damian] [Damian]50-damian smirks . " [You]0-i caught [him]2489-this wanker diddling ? "[50-damian] [Weston]62-weston chuckles . " Stop . Shut [your]0-i fucking traps ! "[0-i] [I]0-i roar . Silence descends . Then [Edward]74-edward snorts , " Ever seen [Saint]47-saint lose [his]47-saint shit ? "[74-edward] " Shut up , [Father]99-father , before [I]74-edward tell [them]754-the others how [I]74-edward saved [you]99-father from humiliation in [a public loo on the wrong side of [the tracks]2491-the tracks]2490-a public loo on the wrong side of the tracks . "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward pales . [The others]754-the others fall quiet . " [You]0-i never did know [your]0-i limits did [you]0-i , [Saint]47-saint ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston growls . " Shit , [I]62-weston ’m sorry . "[62-weston] [I]0-i dig [my]0-i fingers into [my]0-i hair and tug on it . " [I]0-i did n’t mean for it to come out that way . Can [you]754-the others guys forget [I]0-i blurted that out ? "[0-i] " No need to apologize , "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward squares [his]74-edward shoulders , [his]74-edward stance rigid . " No big secret . After the incident , [I]74-edward went through a phase of trying to rediscover [my]74-edward sexuality . Let ’s just say , [I]74-edward did n’t make the smartest of choices and [Saint]47-saint here , saved [my]74-edward arse . "[74-edward] " It ’s nothing . "[0-i] [I]0-i roll [my]0-i shoulders , " Yeah , [I]0-i found [him]47-saint in a compromising position , but hell , [we]754-the others ’ve all been there . [We]754-the others were all in some fucked - up space after the incident , and hell , if [we]754-the others each did n’t make mistakes in trying to figure out [our]754-the others shit . "[0-i] " Is that what [she]2492-she is ? [Your]0-i mistake ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston ’s voice is calm . [I]0-i squeeze the bridge of [my]0-i nose , " No . "[0-i] [I]0-i lower [my]0-i arm , then scan over the faces of [the men who are [[my]0-i brothers]909-my brothers by dint of the blood [we]910-we ’d spilt together]908-the men who are my brothers by dint of the blood we ’d spilt together . " And therein lies the problem . "[0-i] " What ’s the problem ? "[50-damian] [Damian]50-damian drums [his]50-damian finger on [his]50-damian chest , " [You]0-i like [the chick]2493-the chick ? [You]0-i keep [her]2493-the chick . "[50-damian] " [I]0-i ca n’t . "[0-i] " And [I]74-edward thought [I]74-edward had problems , "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward snickers . [The priest]911-the priest , [the one among [us]910-we who is the kindest , who ’d never stoop to the level of [the others]754-the others]912-the one among us who is the kindest , who ’d never stoop to the level of the others , takes a dig at [me]0-i . " [I]911-the priest deserve that , "[911-the priest] [I]0-i rub the back of [my]0-i neck , then begin to pace . " [I]0-i thought the fake marriage was the way to keep tabs on [her]2493-the chick whereabouts , except ... "[0-i] " Except ? "[911-the priest] " The danger is closer than [I]0-i expected . [I]0-i ran into [her]2493-the chick with a man whose reputation is bad news , to say the least . "[0-i] " That was the emergency ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston asks . [I]0-i nod . " Who was [he]2494-he ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i had [[my]0-i PI]2495-my pi run a check on [him]2494-he and guess what … ? "[0-i] " [He]2494-he drew a blank ? "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad fills in . [I]0-i nod , " So [I]75-arpad called in a favor with [a buddy of mine at [Scotland Yard]20-scotland yard]2496-a buddy of mine at scotland yard and … "[75-arpad] " [He]2494-he ’s [a wanted criminal]2497-a wanted criminal ? "[0-i] " Worse , [he]2494-he ’s suspected of being [the member of [an international crime organization]2499-an international crime organization]2498-the member of an international crime organization . "[75-arpad] " Fuck , "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward swears . " Yeah . "[74-edward] It ’s serious enough for [the Father]2383-the father to swear , and worrying enough for none of [the others]754-the others to rib [him]2383-the father about it . [I]0-i begin to pace , " So [you]2383-the father see , [I]0-i do n’t think it ’s right to put off marrying [her]2500-her . "[0-i] " How is marriage going to protect [her]2500-her ? "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad scowls . " [I]75-arpad can keep [her]2500-her close to [me]75-arpad . It will make it clear to [the world]212-the world that [she]2500-her 's under [my]75-arpad protection . "[75-arpad] " And that will stop [the Mafia]314-the mafia ? "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward places the tips of [his]74-edward fingers together . " Maybe not ... but it 'll make sure [I]74-edward am there to stop [them]314-the mafia if [they]314-the mafia try to hurt [her]2500-her . "[74-edward] [Arpad]75-arpad scans [my]0-i features , " [You]0-i ’re serious about this , huh ? "[75-arpad] " What have [I]0-i been trying to tell [you]62-weston all this time ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl " So , do it now , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston interjects . " Now ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . [Weston]62-weston straightens , " Sure , [Father]99-father here will marry [you]2503-you two , while [I]62-weston make some calls and have the paperwork rushed through for [[you]2503-you guys]2381-you guys . "[62-weston] " Hold on , hold on ! [I]62-weston should marry [her]2500-her right away ? "[62-weston] " Today . In the next , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston glances at [his]62-weston watch , " hour or so , [tops]2505-tops . "[62-weston] " Ah , "[0-i] [I]0-i run a finger around [my]0-i collar , " a bit too soon , is n’t it ? "[0-i] " [You]74-edward ’ve proposed to [her]2500-her . Explain [you]74-edward ca n’t wait . "[62-weston] " Do n’t preach to [me]0-i about how to handle [a woman]297-a woman — Sorry , "[0-i] [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin toward [Edward]74-edward , " Did n’t mean it that way . "[0-i] " Hey , [you]74-edward can insult [me]74-edward any way [you]74-edward want . It will be worth it to see [you]74-edward tie the knot . "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward tilts [his]74-edward head . [He]74-edward seems too calm . [I]74-edward ’d , uh , hoped for something quick at [the town hall]2507-the town hall . "[74-edward] " — which [I]74-edward plan to preside over to ensure it ’s all done in the right way . "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward 's lips kick up in a smile . " [You]74-edward ’re getting back at [me]0-i , is that it ? "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter bitterly . " [You]74-edward know [your]74-edward earlier faux paus of blurting out how [you]74-edward saved [my]0-i ass ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glower at [Edward]74-edward . " This is how [you]0-i can make up for it , "[74-edward] [he]74-edward says . " By tying the bloody knot ? "[74-edward] " By getting chained up for real . "[74-edward] " [I]74-edward ’ll be divorcing [her]2508-she soon anyway . It ’s all a fucking farce , until [I]74-edward get to the bottom of this entire situation . "[74-edward] " [You]74-edward sure ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston scowls , " [I]62-weston mean , there ’s something between [you]0-i two , is n't there ? "[62-weston] " All a farce , "[0-i] [I]0-i snicker . " [I]0-i know how to be convincing enough that [she]2508-she bought it completely . [She]2508-she ’s not [my]0-i type . Besides , [I]0-i do n’t plan to shackle [myself]0-i to [anyone]280-anyone for the rest of [my]0-i life . "[0-i] " Thought it was [kids]462-kids [you]0-i ’re against , "[50-damian] [Damian]50-damian pipes in . " That too . Marriage , [children]2511-children , the whole [shebang]2512-shebang . "[50-damian] [I]0-i cut the air with [my]0-i hand . " Not for [me]0-i , and definitely not with [her]297-a woman . "[0-i] There ’s a noise at the doorway . [I]0-i stiffen . [Glance]101-glance past [Edward]74-edward , who ’s already stepping away from the door . [He]74-edward wrenches it open . The scent of lily and pepper tickles [my]0-i nose . " Shit . "[74-edward] [I]0-i spot the back of [a woman]297-a woman running , [her]297-a woman red handbag clutched to [her]297-a woman side . It ’s [her]297-a woman . Fucking fuck . [I]0-i race past [Edward]74-edward , who grabs [my]0-i arm . " Get [her]297-a woman back , [Saint]47-saint , "[74-edward] [he]74-edward urges . " [I]74-edward plan to . "[74-edward] " Apologize to [her]297-a woman . "[74-edward] " Fuck , "[0-i] [I]0-i clench [my]0-i fingers . [He]74-edward scowls , " Do n’t be [an asshole]2118-an asshole . "[74-edward] " Right . "[74-edward] " [We]2514-we ’ll be waiting for [you]0-i in [the ballroom]2515-the ballroom . "[74-edward] [He]74-edward releases [me]0-i . " Fuck , bloody fuck . "[0-i] [I]0-i race out the door and after [her]297-a woman .

22

Why was the broom late ? Answer : It overswept

[Victoria]108-victoria

Fuck [him]74-edward . Fuck [him]74-edward . [I]0-i hate [him]74-edward . Tears stream down [my]0-i face as [I]0-i race for the exit of [the hotel]312-the hotel . [I]0-i should have stayed in [the suite]918-the suite and licked [my]0-i wounds , but truthfully ? [I]0-i had been horny for [him]74-edward . [I]0-i had positioned [my]0-i fingers over [my]0-i clit and wanted to rub [myself]0-i , wanted to shove [my]0-i fingers inside of [my]0-i pussy and bring [myself]0-i to orgasm … Except , it would n’t have helped . [I]0-i would have been empty and aching … Okay , emptier than before . Now that [I]0-i know what it feels like to have [his]74-edward fingers inside of [me]0-i , [his]74-edward lips on [me]0-i , [his]74-edward tongue stabbing into [my]0-i deepest most intimate of spaces ... Fuck ! Besides [he]74-edward ’d told [me]0-i not to come … and … Fuck [me]0-i , but [I]0-i could n’t defy [him]74-edward . [I]0-i had obeyed [him]74-edward . Like [an idiot]919-an idiot . [I]0-i had paced the floor of [the suite]918-the suite , until [I]0-i had driven [myself]0-i crazy with the thoughts whirling around in [my]0-i head . Where could [he]74-edward have gone ? Why had [he]74-edward left [me]0-i so suddenly ? Was there [someone else]2191-someone else ? Why not , though ? [He]74-edward asked [me]0-i to marry [him]74-edward . Does n’t mean [he]74-edward is going to be exclusive . Of course , not . [He]74-edward has [some — make that many — women]922-some — make that many — women lined up and waiting for [him]74-edward … this entire time . It ’s not like [he]74-edward is going to stop that when [we]923-our are married . Married ? Ha . The entire thing is a bloody charade . A stupid game to please [his]74-edward ego … [He]74-edward ’d chosen [me]0-i because [he]74-edward could . Clearly , that ’s the answer [I]0-i ’d get if [I]0-i asked [him]74-edward , so why bother ? And from what [I]0-i had overheard … ? Fuck [the man]207-the man . Did [he]74-edward have to declare the status of [our]923-our relationship out loud to [[his]74-edward friends]925-his friends ? Is nothing about [our]923-our relationship a secret from the rest of [the world]212-the world ? There is so much [he]74-edward is n’t telling [me]0-i … so much unsaid stuff between [us]923-our . What a pitiful turn of events this is . [I]0-i race toward the main doors of [the hotel]312-the hotel . " Stop [her]2516-her ! "[74-edward] [his]74-edward voice growls from somewhere behind [me]0-i . [I]0-i increase [my]0-i pace . [The doorman]928-the doorman steps in [my]0-i path . " Get out of [my]928-the doorman way . "[928-the doorman] " [I]0-i ’m sorry , [I]0-i ca n’t . "[0-i] [I]0-i race around [him]74-edward , reach the doors , and [another liveried man]929-another liveried man plants [his]929-another liveried man body between [me]0-i and [my]0-i exit . Fuck , fuck , fuck . " [I]929-another liveried man have to get out of here . "[929-another liveried man] " Sorry [Ma’am]2517-ma’am , "[74-edward] [he]74-edward shifts [his]74-edward weight from foot to foot but does n’t move . [I]0-i feint right , but [he]74-edward moves with [me]0-i . [I]0-i brush past , make to step out from under [his]74-edward arm . [Another man]218-another man steps up from outside . Fuck , [I]0-i have no way out . [I]0-i grit [my]0-i teeth , " Get out of [my]0-i way . "[0-i] [He]74-edward looks up , and past [me]0-i . [His]74-edward throat moves as [he]74-edward swallows , " Please accept [my]74-edward apologies , but [he]74-edward pays [my]74-edward wages , [you]0-i understand . "[74-edward] " Of course , [he]74-edward does , "[74-edward] [I]0-i swallow down angry tears , pull out [my]0-i cell phone , " and if [you]74-edward do n’t let [me]0-i through , [I]0-i ’m calling [the police]2087-the police . "[0-i] " [You]0-i ’re not . "[74-edward] [His]74-edward voice sounds so near , so close . If [I]0-i turn , [I]0-i ’ll find [him]74-edward at [my]0-i heels , behind [me]0-i , close enough for [me]0-i to lean back and allow [my]0-i head to fall back against [his]74-edward shoulder ... for [him]74-edward to lower [his]74-edward cheek next to [mine]0-i , wrap [his]74-edward arm around [my]0-i waist , pull [me]0-i up against [him]74-edward and — [I]0-i raise the phone , begin to punch in the numbers . [He]74-edward snatches it from [me]0-i . " Hey , "[74-edward] [I]0-i pivot around , and [he]74-edward holds it up and out of [my]0-i reach . " Give that back , "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl . " Take it , if [you]74-edward can reach it . "[0-i] [I]0-i stand up on [my]0-i tiptoes , swoop up [my]0-i arms . [My]0-i fingertips reach halfway up [his]74-edward biceps . " [You]0-i ’ll have to do better than that , "[74-edward] [he]74-edward chuckles . [I]0-i twist [my]0-i lips together . Ridiculous . [I]0-i am not indulging in this kind of childish behavior . All of this may be a laugh for [him]74-edward , but for [me]0-i , it is the veritable end of the bloody line . [I]0-i fold [my]0-i arms over [my]0-i chest , draw [myself]0-i up to [my]0-i full height . " Do n’t toy with [me]0-i , [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] " Oh ? "[74-edward] [He]74-edward tosses the phone to [his]74-edward other hand . " Come and get it . "[74-edward] [I]0-i frown . The only way to get [my]0-i phone is if [I]0-i find a way to climb [him]74-edward . [He]74-edward smirks . Oh , no , [I]0-i am not falling for that . " [You]74-edward want [my]0-i phone ? Fine , keep it then . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn and march toward the exit . This time , [no one]2059-no one stops [me]0-i . [I]0-i stalk out of [the hotel]312-the hotel and the cold air assails [me]0-i . Goosebumps pop on [my]0-i skin . [I]0-i hunch [my]0-i shoulders against the wind , walk up [the sidewalk]436-the sidewalk . Where am [I]0-i going ? What am [I]0-i going to do ? [That jerk]934-that jerk was [my]0-i last hope , and surely , [I]0-i have blown any chance of having any kind of relationship with [him]934-that jerk . Why did [I]0-i have to eavesdrop on that conversation of [his]934-that jerk ? More worryingly , why did it hurt to hear [him]934-that jerk dismiss [me]0-i ? So , [he]934-that jerk does n’t want marriage or [kids]462-kids , and definitely not with [me]0-i . Tears push at the backs of [my]0-i eyes . [I]0-i will not cry , will not . [I]0-i knew all of this … Nothing is a surprise . Not after how [he]934-that jerk ’d treated [me]0-i[He]934-that jerk ’d treated [my]0-i body with scant regard , [he]934-that jerk ’d used [me]0-i for [his]934-that jerk pleasure , then [he]934-that jerk ’d brought [me]0-i to the edge , over and over again … until every part of [me]0-i yearns for [his]934-that jerk touch . For the rough caress of [his]934-that jerk fingers between [my]0-i thighs , inside [my]0-i cunt , pinching , tugging on [my]0-i sensitive nipples . [I]0-i shudder , and it ’s not from the cold . [My]0-i belly aches , and it ’s not only because [I]0-i ca n’t remember when [I]0-i last ate . [My]0-i sex clenches and it ’s because … [I]0-i hate [him]934-that jerk , [I]0-i do ; and yet , every time [he]934-that jerk treats [me]0-i like [I]0-i am nothing , each time [he]934-that jerk shows [me]0-i how little [I]0-i mean to [him]934-that jerk … it turns [me]0-i on . How sick is that ? Why do [I]0-i have to be this attracted to [him]934-that jerk ? Why is it that the more [he]934-that jerk ignores [me]0-i … the more [I]0-i want to throw [myself]0-i at [his]934-that jerk feet and ask [him]934-that jerk to take [me]0-i … to not give [me]0-i a choice ? Bloody hell . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i fingers at [my]0-i sides . Tears fill [my]0-i eyes , blocking out [my]0-i sight again . The heel of [my]0-i stilettos catches on [the pavement]727-the pavement . [I]0-i trip forward . The stony surface races up to meet [me]0-i … then halts . [I]0-i ’m pulled back and around . Heat slams into [my]0-i chest and [my]0-i nipples are flattened against a hard surface — not the ground where [I]0-i was headed … No , this is … much worse . [I]0-i look up and into the burning blue eyes of [the man who holds [my]0-i life in [his]934-that jerk hands]937-the man who holds my life in his hands … and who is n’t aware of it . " [Saint]47-saint , "[937-the man who holds my life in his hands] [his]937-the man who holds my life in his hands name tumbles from [my]0-i lips like a prayer … Or a plea for help . How strange . How could [one man]938-one man be both [[my]0-i worst enemy]939-my worst enemy and [the only one [I]0-i ’d trust]940-the only one i ’d trust to have [my]0-i back , literally ? " For [a sophisticated woman of [the world]212-the world]2519-a sophisticated woman of the world , [you]0-i sure ca n’t see where [you]0-i ’re going , "[937-the man who holds my life in his hands] [his]937-the man who holds my life in his hands voice sounds from above [me]0-i . " For [a billionaire with many business interests]2521-a billionaire with many business interests , [you]0-i sure spend too much time stalking [me]937-the man who holds my life in his hands . "[937-the man who holds my life in his hands] [His]937-the man who holds my life in his hands jaw tics ; [his]937-the man who holds my life in his hands left eyelid throbs . [He]937-the man who holds my life in his hands releases [me]0-i so quickly that [I]0-i stumble back . [He]937-the man who holds my life in his hands shoves [my]0-i phone into [my]0-i chest . Before [I]0-i can reach for it , [he]937-the man who holds my life in his hands ’s withdrawn [his]937-the man who holds my life in his hands hand . The device slides down [my]0-i body ; [I]0-i snatch it up . " [Asshole]2374-asshole . "[937-the man who holds my life in his hands] [He]937-the man who holds my life in his hands chuckles , " [I]937-the man who holds my life in his hands much prefer , [alphahole]79-alphahole . "[937-the man who holds my life in his hands] Anger sears [my]0-i chest and the band around [my]0-i ribcage tightens . [My]0-i vision narrows and something inside of [me]0-i snaps . [I]0-i hook [my]0-i leg around [his]937-the man who holds my life in his hands , tug . [His]937-the man who holds my life in his hands gaze widens , then [his]937-the man who holds my life in his hands body arcs back .

23

[Saint]47-saint

" Fuck . "[0-i] [My]0-i back hits [the sidewalk]436-the sidewalk , [my]0-i head connecting with the concrete . Stars flash behind [my]0-i eyes and spots of black crowd [my]0-i vision . [I]0-i lay there winded , stare up at the gray [London]2-london skies . That , at least , is predictable . Shades of darkness envelop [this city]311-this city in wintertime . It ’s what [I]0-i like best about [it]311-this city . Shrouded in mysterious light , it always appears in mourning or about to regret the actions of [its]311-this city past , exactly like [my]0-i life . [I]0-i blink and the thought dissipates . Fucking hell , the knock to [my]0-i head clearly impacted more than [my]0-i thinking process . It seems to have shaken loose emotions [I]0-i had n’t realized [I]0-i have . Huge green eyes fill [my]0-i line of sight , " [Saint]47-saint ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scan [her]943-her gorgeous features — [her]943-her pale cheeks , the bitten lips that only enhance [her]943-her fragility . Except [she]943-her is n’t . It is all an act , this vulnerability that [she]943-her wears around [herself]943-her like a cloak , to mask the deviousness that lies inside . " [I]943-her know . "[943-her] Only when [I]0-i hear the words do [I]0-i realize that [I]0-i have spoken aloud . " Wh … what do [you]943-her mean ? "[0-i] " [I]943-her know why [you]943-her asked to become [my]943-her sub . "[943-her] [She]943-her purses [her]943-her lips , adopts an expression of disinterest . " Do n’t [you]943-her want to know why , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[943-her] [She]943-her shakes [her]943-her head . " Come on , are n’t [you]943-her a little bit curious ? "[943-her] [She]943-her glances away , " [I]943-her think [you]943-her should get up from the ground . "[943-her] [She]943-her looks around [her]943-her , " It ’s dirty . "[943-her] " But so are [you]943-her … "[943-her] " What ? "[943-her] [She]943-her whips [her]943-her head around . " Is that why [I]943-her am attracted to [you]943-her ? "[943-her] [I]0-i glare at [her]943-her . [She]943-her trembles . " [You]943-her[you]943-her do n’t know what [you]943-her ’re saying . "[943-her] " Perhaps , for the first time , [I]0-i do . "[0-i] [I]0-i hold out [my]0-i arm . [She]943-her stares at [my]0-i proffered hand , " What … what are [you]943-her doing ? "[943-her] " [You]943-her felled [me]943-her , [you]943-her can help [me]943-her up , hmm ? "[943-her] [She]943-her swallows . " Go on , [Gigi]53-gigi , [I]943-her do n’t bite . "[943-her] And [I]0-i always speak the truth … not . " Do n’t keep [me]77-footsteps waiting . "[77-footsteps] [Footsteps]77-footsteps approach [us]944-us . [She]943-her flinches . " Do it before [they]77-footsteps get [here]260-here and [I]943-her ’ll forget this happened . "[943-her] [She]943-her looks up at [my]0-i face , reaches for [my]0-i hand . [I]0-i grab it , then pull back . [She]943-her loses [her]943-her balance . The next second [she]943-her falls onto [me]0-i . " The hell ? "[943-her] [She]943-her sputters , " [You]0-i tricked [me]943-her . "[943-her] " No more than [you]0-i ’re trying to trick [me]0-i with the lies [you]0-i ’re spinning around [me]0-i , [sweetheart]2238-sweetheart . "[0-i] [I]0-i bury [my]0-i fingers in [her]943-her hair , yank [her]943-her close . " [I]0-i am going to show [you]943-her what happens when [you]943-her poke the lion in its den . "[0-i] " [Saint]47-saint , no — "[0-i] [I]0-i smash [my]0-i mouth to [hers]943-her , thrust [my]0-i tongue in between [her]943-her lips . [I]0-i devour [her]943-her , suck on [her]943-her with such force that [our]945-our teeth clash . [I]0-i hold [her]943-her in place and consume [her]943-her . Swipe [my]0-i tongue across the roof [her]943-her mouth . [I]0-i am going to punish [her]943-her for what [she]943-her ’s doing to [me]0-i . For weaving a spell around [me]0-i from the first time [I]0-i ’d met [her]943-her . Enticing [me]0-i , luring [me]0-i into [her]943-her trap . If [she]943-her thinks [I]0-i am going into this blindfolded , [she]943-her is so fucking wrong . [I]0-i am going to give [her]943-her a taste of how it will be from now on . [Me]0-i[the marauder]946-the marauder , [the destroyer]947-the destroyer … And [she]943-her[she’ll]943-her bloody well accept everything [I]0-i give [her]943-her , and more . [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i grip until [my]0-i fingertips dig into [her]943-her scalp , and [I]0-i fucking mouth fuck [her]943-her . [Her]943-her body slackens , then [she]943-her kisses [me]0-i back in earnest . [She]943-her sucks on [my]0-i tongue , pushes [her]943-her lips into [mine]0-i , opens [her]943-her mouth completely , allowing [me]0-i to take and take and … [My]0-i chest lurches ; [my]0-i groin hardens . Blood drains to [my]0-i cock so fast and so hard that [my]0-i head spins . Fucking hell . [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head and [she]943-her mirrors [my]0-i action in the opposite way . The yin to [my]0-i yang . The bloody darkness to everything that is wrong in [me]0-i . The tempest to [my]0-i storm . The turbulence to the raging intensity that roils in [me]0-i , that shoves at [my]0-i ribcage , that urges [me]0-i to lean up , until [her]943-her upper body is curved in sync with [mine]0-i . [We]948-we ’re not in resonance though . Nothing about [us]948-we matches . Everything about this is wrong , which is why [I]0-i must show [her]943-her exactly how [she]943-her is going to pay . [I]0-i tear [my]0-i mouth from [hers]943-her , then push up to [my]0-i feet , taking [her]943-her with [me]0-i . [I]0-i release [her]943-her , and [she]943-her stumbles , then rights [herself]943-her . [Her]943-her features are frozen , [her]943-her mouth slightly parted , those beautiful lips swollen and throbbing . Only when [my]0-i breath raises the hair of [her]943-her forehead , do [I]0-i realize that [I]0-i have leaned into [her]943-her . [I]0-i jerk back . Then , pulling out the handkerchief from [my]0-i breast pocket , [I]0-i pat at [my]0-i lips , " [Your]943-her technique sucks , [doll]2525-doll . "[0-i] [She]943-her whitens . The hollows under [her]943-her cheeks throw [her]943-her features into sharp relief . " [Jerk]48-jerk , "[943-her] [she]943-her snarls . [I]0-i laugh , " [I]0-i ’m just getting started . "[0-i] [I]0-i pocket the piece of linen , then yawn , " [You]943-her ’d better come in . [You]943-her do n’t want to keep [[my]0-i friends]2056-my friends waiting . "[0-i] [She]943-her blinks , " [Friends]466-friends ? What do [you]0-i mean ? "[943-her] " Oh , did n’t [I]0-i tell [you]943-her ? [We]2528-we ’re getting married in … "[0-i] [I]0-i look at the watch on [my]0-i wrist , " ... precisely half an hour . "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to [the hotel]312-the hotel as [[my]0-i guards from [the hotel]312-the hotel]950-my guards from the hotel arrive . " Are [you]0-i okay , [Sir]2262-sir ? "[201-one of them] [one of [them]950-my guards from the hotel]201-one of them asks . " [I]201-one of them ’m fine . "[201-one of them] [I]0-i run [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . [The other guard]953-the other guard walks past [me]0-i , " [You]108-victoria all right , [Ma’am]102-ma’am ? "[953-the other guard] [he]953-the other guard asks [Victoria]108-victoria . [She]108-victoria nods , takes a step forward and seems to lose [her]108-victoria footing . [He]953-the other guard steadies [her]108-victoria , and something inside of [me]0-i explodes , " Get away from [her]108-victoria ! "[953-the other guard] The next second , [I]0-i find [my]0-i hands twisted in [his]953-the other guard collar . [I]0-i plant [myself]0-i between [him]953-the other guard and [Gigi]53-gigi , " Do n’t [you]953-the other guard fucking touch [her]108-victoria . "[953-the other guard] [He]953-the other guard raises [his]953-the other guard hands , " Uh , sorry , [Sir]2262-sir , [I]953-the other guard was trying to help — "[953-the other guard] " Well [she]108-victoria does n’t need [your]953-the other guard help , so back the fuck off . "[953-the other guard] " Of course , [Sir]2262-sir . "[953-the other guard] [He]953-the other guard glances toward [Victoria]108-victoria and [my]0-i vision tunnels . [I]0-i haul [him]953-the other guard by [his]953-the other guard collar and — " [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i fist ; [she]108-victoria wraps [her]108-victoria fingers around [my]0-i bicep . " [Saint]2364-saint , stop . "[108-victoria] [Her]108-victoria touch sinks in through the fabric of [my]0-i tailormade suit . [Her]108-victoria touch is more precious … The fuck am [I]0-i thinking ? [I]0-i shake off [her]108-victoria hand , release [the man]207-the man ’s collar . [He]207-the man lurches back , then squares [his]207-the man shoulders . " Leave [us]2533-us , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . [He]207-the man pivots and walks back to [the hotel]312-the hotel . [I]0-i turn on [Victoria]108-victoria , " Never stop [me]0-i again in public , do [you]108-victoria understand ? "[0-i] [She]108-victoria stiffens , then draws [herself]108-victoria up to [her]108-victoria full height , which puts [her]108-victoria at eye level with [my]0-i chest . Shit , [she]108-victoria is tinier than the mental image [I]0-i have of [her]108-victoria . Perhaps it is [her]108-victoria resilience , [her]108-victoria feistiness , the layers of prickliness that cover [her]108-victoria like a second skin , that contribute to [her]108-victoria larger - than - life image , huh ? And the fuck am [I]0-i thinking , waxing lyrical about [this woman]299-this woman , huh ? " Answer [me]0-i , ”[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]108-victoria opens [her]108-victoria mouth , when a voice interrupts [us]957-we . " Sometimes [we]957-we are less unhappy in being deceived by those [we]957-we love than in being undeceived by [them]2534-them … "[108-victoria] " The fuck ? "[0-i] [I]0-i angle to the side , spot [the owner of the voice]958-the owner of the voice , [a man sprawled against the wall of [the hotel]312-the hotel]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel . [He]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel ’s dressed in a worn shirt and pants which have seen better days . [His]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel matted hair flows to [his]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel shoulders . [He]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel holds up a sign , that reads ,

" And [thou]2535-thou art dead , as young and fair ... "[959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel]

" Why did n’t [you]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel complete the fucking poem ? "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [He]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel appraises [my]0-i features . The expression on [his]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel face is neither happy , nor sad . [He]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel ’s content . Yeah , fucking imagine that ? [Bloody blissful motherfucker]961-bloody blissful motherfucker . This is what not having money can buy [you]962-you , huh ? Peace . [I]0-i laugh . Then unhook the bloody watch on [my]0-i wrist . [I]0-i drop it into [his]959-a man sprawled against the wall of the hotel upturned hat . A sharp inhalation of breath draws [my]0-i attention . [I]0-i glance over [my]0-i shoulder to find [Victoria]108-victoria ’s gaze fixed on the piece of jewelry [I]0-i ’d dropped . " Why did [you]0-i do that ? "[108-victoria] " Why not ? "[0-i] [I]0-i rub the back of [my]0-i neck . " Why should [I]0-i be [the only one to suffer excesses]2536-the only one to suffer excesses ? "[0-i] " That was what , £ 5000 ? "[108-victoria] " £ 30,000 . "[108-victoria] [Her]108-victoria jaw drops open . " [You]0-i did n’t … "[108-victoria] " [I]108-victoria can do anything [I]108-victoria want , [Victoria]108-victoria . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria wrings [her]108-victoria fingers in front [her]108-victoria , [her]108-victoria gaze roaming over [my]0-i face , then flicking back to [Homeless Guy]103-homeless guy . [I]0-i turn to [the man]207-the man . " Fucking [Byron]91-byron , [I]0-i hate [him]207-the man . "[0-i] [The man]207-the man grins , [his]207-the man teeth bright against [his]207-the man lips . Huh ? For [someone who lives on [the streets]966-the streets]965-someone who lives on the streets , [he]207-the man sure has perfect teeth . " Have a cigarette , [mate]2537-mate ? "[207-the man] [He]207-the man glances between [us]967-us . [I]0-i glare at [him]207-the man , then pull out the pack of cigarettes in [my]0-i pocket and hand a cigarette over . " [You]207-the man smoke ? "[207-the man] [She]207-the man scowls . " [I]207-the man did n't know that . "[207-the man] " Lots [you]0-i do n't know about [me]207-the man . "[207-the man] [She]207-the man walks up to stand next to [me]0-i , grabs the packet from [my]0-i hand . " Hey , "[0-i] [I]0-i protest . " These things will kill [you]0-i , "[207-the man] [she]207-the man scoffs , then drops the entire pack in [Homeless Guy]103-homeless guy ’s lap . " [You]207-the man worried about [me]207-the man ? "[207-the man] [I]0-i frown " Of course , not . "[207-the man] [Her]207-the man face flushes . [Homeless guy]968-homeless guy looks between [us]969-us . " Lighter ? "[968-homeless guy] [he]968-homeless guy asks . " Jesus , fuck . Get [your]0-i own bloody light . "[968-homeless guy] " Do n’t swear , "[207-the man] [she]207-the man scolds [me]0-i . " [I]207-the man ’ll do whatever the bloody fuck [I]207-the man want . "[207-the man] [I]0-i dig out [my]0-i lighter and hand it over to [Homeless Guy]968-homeless guy , who promptly pulls out a cigarette and lights up .

24

What flowers are kissable ? Answer : Tulips

Victoria

[I]0-i did . [I]0-i had said ' yes ' to [him]968-homeless guy . Oh , hell . [I]0-i stare at [my]0-i reflection in the mirrored surface of the elevator doors . [Saint]47-saint towers next to [me]0-i , [his]47-saint frame dwarfing [mine]0-i , [his]47-saint shoulders taking up too much space , [his]47-saint presence drawing in all of the oxygen in [the enclosed space]971-the enclosed space . [I]0-i take a breath and [my]0-i nose fills with [his]47-saint scent — dark , edgy , packed with pheromones that find their way unerringly to the source of [my]0-i emptiness … [My]0-i empty core . Hell . " Is that a ‘ No ’ ? "[47-saint] [he]47-saint asks . [I]0-i should say the word . Tell [him]47-saint it ’s all off . That [I]0-i do n’t care what [he]47-saint ’s found out , that [I]0-i do n’t give a damn about [the Mafia]314-the mafia and [their]314-the mafia hold on [me]0-i . [I]0-i should escape from this trap that ’s closing in on [me]0-i , leave everything and [everyone]2130-everyone behind … Take on a new name , move to [another city]974-another city , [another country]975-another country … But where could [I]0-i go ? [I]0-i do n’t have a passport . [The Mafia]21-the mafia took that from [me]0-i after [I]0-i reached [England]22-england . Even the possessions [I]0-i left behind in [[his]47-saint suite]976-his suite belong to this character that [I]0-i am playing . If it were only [me]0-i , [I]0-i would n’t hesitate to leave , but [Nina]52-nina 's life is at stake . [She]52-nina is in [their]21-the mafia clutches . If [I]0-i do anything wrong , [she]52-nina ’ll pay the price . How could [I]0-i bear that ? [I]0-i ca n’t let anything happen to [her]52-nina . [I]0-i have to find a way out of this … Have to do what is needed without giving away the last bit of [my]0-i pride . " No . "[47-saint] " Excuse [me]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to [him]47-saint . " [You]47-saint heard [me]0-i . The answer is ‘ No . ’ "[0-i] [He]47-saint stares at [me]0-i , then spots of color burn on [his]47-saint face . [His]47-saint jaw tics . A nerve pops at [his]47-saint temple . " Say that again . "[0-i] [I]0-i angle [my]0-i body , plant [my]0-i feet firmly into the floor and face [him]47-saint . [I]0-i look [him]47-saint in the eye and repeat , " [I]0-i would n’t marry [you]47-saint if [you]47-saint were [the last man on [this earth]2539-this earth]2538-the last man on this earth . "[0-i] [His]47-saint eyes gleam and [he]47-saint peels back [his]47-saint lips . A dense cloud of anger rolls off of [him]47-saint . It slams [me]0-i in the chest and [I]0-i gasp , take a step back . [He]47-saint lowers [his]47-saint chin . [My]0-i nerve endings crackle . Shit , shit , shit . What have [I]0-i done ? [I]0-i am fighting something inevitable here … [I]0-i mean , [I]0-i only meant to show [him]47-saint [I]0-i ’m not [a pushover]977-a pushover . It ’s the only way to hold onto [his]47-saint respect … Not that [he]47-saint has much of that . Not for much of [the world]212-the world , and definitely not for [me]0-i . [The only person]979-the only person [he]47-saint seems to have an ounce of caring for … is [the person who calls [him]47-saint at the most inopportune times]980-the person who calls him at the most inopportune times , [the one for whom [he]47-saint seems to drop everything and run]981-the one for whom he seems to drop everything and run . Is it [a woman]297-a woman ? What do [I]0-i care who it is ? What matters is that [he]47-saint is here , trying to steamroll [me]0-i into doing what [he]47-saint wants and … [I]0-i am not going to be taken for granted . Not like this and not by [him]47-saint . So [I]0-i need [his]47-saint help … but damn it , [I]0-i had n’t imagined the attraction between [us]983-us either . [He]47-saint wants [me]0-i , if for no other reason than to fuck [me]0-i … As long as [I]0-i manage to foster a smidgeon of that interest , [I]0-i ’ll be able to reel [him]47-saint in … [I]0-i hope . The strap of [my]0-i bag slides off [my]0-i shoulder before it thumps to the floor between [us]983-us . [He]47-saint kicks it aside . " Hey , that ’s the only one [I]47-saint have . "[47-saint] " Fuck that , [I]47-saint 'll buy [you]0-i a shopful of bags , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint leans in close , " and fuck [you]0-i for what [you]0-i do to [me]47-saint , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint drops [his]47-saint head until [his]47-saint lips are positioned a millimeter from [mine]0-i . Close enough that [I]0-i can make out the lines radiating from the edges of [his]47-saint eyes . Close enough that [I]0-i can see the little scar that nicked the edge of [his]47-saint left eyebrow — why had n’t [I]0-i noticed that before ? Close enough that — [he]47-saint swipes out [his]47-saint hand . [I]0-i flinch . The next second [the elevator]628-the elevator lurches to a stop . " What was that ? "[47-saint] " What do [you]47-saint think ? "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to find the stop button blinking . [My]0-i eyes bug out … " [You]0-i[you]0-i The hell did [I]0-i say ? .. "[0-i] " Paused the elevator ? The least [I]47-saint could do to convince [[my]47-saint errant bride]2540-my errant bride , hmm ? "[47-saint] " Not [[your]47-saint bride]2541-your bride . "[0-i] " That ’s right . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint twines a lock of [my]0-i hair around [his]47-saint fingers , then brings it up to [his]47-saint nose to smell it . " But [you]0-i will be . "[47-saint] " No . "[0-i] " Yes . "[0-i] " Make [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] Satisfaction is etched into every hard line of [his]47-saint face . " [I]47-saint[I]47-saint … didn’t … mean ... "[47-saint] [He]47-saint raises one eyebrow , " Oh , [I]47-saint think [you]0-i did mean ... "[47-saint] [I]0-i start to shake [my]0-i head , but [he]47-saint places a finger across [my]0-i mouth , “ Shh . ”[47-saint] The warmth seeps into [my]0-i skin , the scent of [him]47-saint crowds [me]0-i , and [his]47-saint dominance pushes down on [my]0-i shoulders , holds [me]0-i in place . [I]0-i draw in a breath and [my]0-i chest heaves . [He]47-saint presses down on [my]0-i lower lip . [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth . [He]47-saint eases [his]47-saint finger inside and [I]0-i curl [my]0-i tongue around the tip . [His]47-saint blue eyes deepen into an aquamarine . Flecks of silver burst to life deep inside . An answering tremor coils in [my]0-i belly . [My]0-i toes curl . [My]0-i scalp tingles . And all this when [he]47-saint is n’t doing anything more than touching [me]0-i with [his]47-saint fingertip . " [I]47-saint know what [you]0-i need , "[47-saint] [his]47-saint hard voice chafes [my]0-i skin . [My]0-i sex clenches , the emptiness inside of [me]0-i roaring to life . [I]0-i want to speak to tell [him]47-saint , this is n’t fair . [He]47-saint ca n’t simply overpower [me]0-i without trying too hard . " [I]47-saint … "[47-saint] [He]47-saint shakes [his]47-saint head . [I]0-i frown , open [my]0-i mouth . [He]47-saint clicks [his]47-saint tongue . Goosebumps dot [my]0-i skin . Shit , [he]47-saint did n’t do that , did [he]47-saint ? Treat [me]0-i like [I]0-i am [[his]47-saint property]985-his property ? Like all [he]47-saint has to do is say kneel and [I’ll]986-i’ll … do it . Hell , [I]0-i ’d keep [my]0-i mouth open and willing until [he]47-saint ’d stuffed [his]47-saint fat cock inside , while [he]47-saint ’d shoved [his]47-saint fingers inside [my]0-i pussy and commanded [me]0-i to come … And damn [him]47-saint , [I]0-i ’d do it too . That ’s how much power [he]47-saint has over [me]0-i . [I]0-i clench [my]0-i fingers at [my]0-i sides , force [myself]0-i to not move a muscle , not a breath , not a twitch of [my]0-i eyelashes , nothing to show how completely , utterly defenseless [I]0-i am in front of [him]47-saint . [He]47-saint swipes [his]47-saint finger along the inside of [my]0-i mouth , then pulls it out and sucks on it . [I]0-i ’m instantly wet . [He]47-saint lowers [his]47-saint palm between [my]0-i legs and cups [my]0-i pussy through [my]0-i skirt . A whine bleeds from [my]0-i lips and [I]0-i arch into [his]47-saint touch . " [You]0-i were saying ? "[47-saint] [he]47-saint drawls . " [I]47-saint[I]47-saint … "[47-saint] [He]47-saint squeezes [my]0-i tender core and a shot of lust spirals upward . [I]0-i bang [my]0-i head back against the elevator wall . [He]47-saint grinds the heel of [his]47-saint palm into [my]0-i pussy and [my]0-i eyes roll back in [my]0-i head . " [Saint]47-saint … Please . "[47-saint] " [I]47-saint know what [you]0-i need , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[47-saint] " [You]47-saint ... [you]47-saint do ? "[47-saint] " Absolutely , sweet thing . [You]0-i want to be treated like [the traitor [you]0-i are]2542-the traitor you are . "[47-saint] " What ? "[0-i] [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i gaze to [him]47-saint . " What … did [you]47-saint say ? "[0-i] " [You]47-saint think [I]47-saint do n’t know the identity of [the man [you]47-saint were with earlier]2543-the man you were with earlier ? "[47-saint] The blood drains from [my]0-i face . [My]0-i heart seems to stop beating . [I]0-i ca n’t feel [my]0-i hands or legs . " [You]47-saint … "[0-i] [my]0-i voice cracks . [I]0-i clear [my]0-i throat , " [You]47-saint know ? "[0-i] " [Your]47-saint identity ? "[47-saint] [His]47-saint lips twist . " [I]47-saint ’ve suspected it since [I]47-saint spotted [you]47-saint at [Sinclair]45-sinclair ’s wedding . Imagine [my]47-saint not - so - surprised face when it turned out that [little Miss]2544-little miss , or should [I]47-saint say [Mrs.]2545-mrs. , Standoff here is [a spy for [[my]47-saint enemy]2547-my enemy]2546-a spy for my enemy . "[47-saint] " [It]2548-it … isn’t what it seems . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint chuckles , " At least try a new line . "[47-saint] " It ’s true , [I]47-saint — "[47-saint] [He]47-saint pushes up into [my]0-i center with such pressure that all [my]0-i nerve - endings pop . More moisture pools between [my]0-i legs and [my]0-i thighs spasm . [I]0-i grab [his]47-saint forearm and [he]47-saint shoves [my]0-i hand aside . " [You]0-i do n’t get to touch [me]0-i . "[0-i] " [Saint]47-saint , do n’t — "[0-i] " That ’s ‘ Sir ’ to [you]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " Say it . "[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . Not like this . [I]0-i did n’t want things to go so wrong between [us]987-us . Ca n’t stand the hatred that flares in [his]47-saint eyes . The narrowness of [his]47-saint gaze , the cold edge of [his]47-saint anger that slices into [my]0-i heart , rips through [my]0-i guts , freezes [my]0-i blood until [I]0-i ca n’t breathe . Ca n’t speak . Ca n’t do anything but stare at [him]47-saint , with a silent plea in [my]0-i eyes . Sweat beads [his]47-saint forehead . [He]47-saint meets [my]0-i gaze head on . The skin is drawn over [his]47-saint cheeks as if this entire proceeding is not easy for [him]47-saint either . No , [I]0-i do n’t believe that . [He]47-saint holds all of the cards right now . Hell , [he]47-saint holds [my]0-i cunt in [his]47-saint hand . One word and [my]0-i entire world could come crashing down around [me]0-i . What ’s left of it , that is . And [poor Nina]52-nina[She]52-nina ’ll be lost to the murky depths of the world that [Antonio]87-antonio has [her]52-nina trapped in . All because [this asshole of a gazillionaire , with an ego bigger than [the entire city of [London]2-london]989-the entire city of london put together]988-this asshole of a gazillionaire , with an ego bigger than the entire city of london put together , ca n’t bear to lose . " [You]47-saint know what [your]47-saint problem is ? "[0-i] [I]0-i stare into [his]47-saint face , " [You]47-saint ca n’t stand to be vulnerable . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint frowns . " What do [you]0-i mean ? "[47-saint] " [You]47-saint were attracted to [me]0-i . [You]47-saint wanted [me]0-i . Hell , [you]47-saint were all set to bed [me]0-i , no strings attached . Then [you]47-saint realized [someone]236-someone had beat [you]47-saint to it … No ... "[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i hair back from [my]0-i face , [You]47-saint realized that [I]0-i , [a woman]297-a woman , had run circles around [you]47-saint and [[your]47-saint uppity friends]2551-your uppity friends and none of [you]47-saint had any idea . "[0-i] [I]0-i widen [my]0-i smile . " None . "[0-i] " Oh ? "[0-i] " Yeah , "[0-i] [I]0-i nod . " In fact , if [you]47-saint had n’t seen [me]0-i with [Antonio]87-antonio — "[0-i] " Do n’t mention [his]87-antonio fucking name . "[0-i] " Ah ! So that ’s it ? "[0-i] " What ? "[990-his] [His]990-his eyebrows knit . " [You]0-i ’re jealous . "[990-his] " [You]0-i ’re wrong . "[990-his] [He]990-his leans forward until [his]990-his nose brushes [mine]0-i . [His]990-his chest expands , then expands some more . [His]990-his shoulders seem to grow even wider . [His]990-his left eyelid twitches . Shit , that is n’t a good sign at all , is it ? " [You]0-i ’re missing something , [little Victoria]108-victoria , "[990-his] [he]990-his growls . " What ? "[990-his] " [I]990-his am not the one with everything to lose . [You]0-i are . "[990-his] Anger sweeps up [my]0-i spine . [I]0-i draw back [my]0-i shoulders , then squeeze [my]0-i thighs together , locking [his]990-his hand between [my]0-i legs . " The only thing [I]0-i have to lose here is the fact that [you]0-i have n’t fucked [me]0-i , so why do n’t [you]0-i , and be done with it , hmm ? Then [we]2552-we can bury this chemistry and get on with [our]2552-we lives . In fact , "[0-i] [I]0-i bring [my]0-i hand up and grip the tent at [his]990-his crotch , " [I]0-i ’ll help [you]990-his along . That ’s what [you]990-his want , is n’t it ? To fuck [me]0-i out of [your]990-his system ? To have [me]0-i until [you]990-his get tired of [me]0-i ? So why do n’t [you]990-his do it and cast [me]0-i aside ? That way , [we]2552-we do n’t have to go through this sham of a wedding or the arrangement of [you]990-his becoming [[my]0-i Dom]2553-my dom . Why pretend there is any relationship possible between [us]2552-we , when really , [we]2552-we hate [each other]2117-each other ? Fuck [me]0-i already , and [we]2552-we can call it quits . "[0-i] Do n’t say yes . Do n’t . Do n’t let [me]0-i walk away . Please do n’t . [He]0-i hauls [me]0-i up by [his]0-i grip on [my]0-i pussy so [I]0-i am perched on tip toe . [His]0-i nostrils flare as [he]0-i surveys [my]0-i face , " No . "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . " No ? "[0-i] [He]0-i nods , " [I]0-i have a better idea . "[0-i] " What ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i ’ll quiz [you]0-i about [The Beatles]536-the beatles . If [you]0-i get every answer right , [I]0-i ’ll let [you]0-i leave . If [you]0-i get even one wrong … [I]0-i … "[0-i] [He]0-i massages [my]0-i clit through [my]0-i clothes . [My]0-i sex shudders and a tingling emanates from [his]0-i touch , sweeping aside the cold , heating [my]0-i blood , leaving a fiery , tangled , throbbing need in its wake . Shit . Say it , damn it . Complete [your]991-your sentence . [He]0-i twists [his]0-i hand with the right torque that [his]0-i heel slams into the swollen bud of [my]0-i clit . A trembling sweeps up [my]0-i legs , past [my]0-i waist , and [my]0-i nipples pebble until [I]0-i ca n’t stand it anymore . [I]0-i am one yearning mass of need , waiting to be filled by [him]0-i . [His]0-i cock . [His]0-i fingers . [His]0-i tongue . " Please , "[0-i] the word bleeds from [my]0-i lips . A fierce satisfaction grips [his]0-i features . Then [he]0-i releases [me]0-i so quickly that [I]0-i fall back against the wall . The climax instantly ebbs . " No , "[0-i] [I]0-i gasp . " Not again . [You]0-i ca n’t do this . "[0-i] [He]0-i lifts one eyebrow . " [You]0-i bet [I]0-i can . "[0-i] [He]0-i ambles back , until [he]0-i ’s propped up against the opposite end of the cage . [His]0-i big body takes up almost the entire breadth of the constricted space . Shit . [I]0-i flatten [my]0-i back into the barrier behind [me]0-i . " What now ? "[0-i] " Now , [I]0-i ask the questions . Remember [Gigi]53-gigi , one wrong answer . "[0-i] [His]0-i grin widens , " One mistake and [you]0-i lose all say in what ’s going to happen to [you]0-i . "[0-i] " For … how long ? "[0-i] " For as long as [I]0-i deem necessary to tame [you]0-i , of course . "[0-i] " [You]0-i ’re crazy . "[0-i] " Are [you]0-i ready ? "[0-i] No . No . [I]0-i square [myself]0-i holders . " Fine . Go ahead . "[0-i] [He]0-i nods . " [John Lennon]84-lennon and [Paul McCartney]104-paul mccartney sang backing vocals on which Rolling Stones single ? ? "[0-i] " It was called . "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . " [We]2556-we Love [You]0-i . "[0-i] " Correct . "[0-i] [He]0-i smirks . " Next question , "[0-i] [he]0-i pins [me]0-i with [his]0-i gaze " [The Beatles]71-the beatles could n’t read music . True or false ? "[0-i] " True , "[0-i] [I]0-i reply . " What 's [your]0-i favorite color ? "[0-i] " Blue , "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . [He]0-i clicks [his]0-i tongue , " Do n't lie to [me]0-i . Tell [me]0-i the truth and [I]0-i wo n't catapult [you]0-i off a cliff . "[0-i] " [You]0-i 're [a Monty Python fan]2557-a monty python fan as well ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n't stop the smile that curves [my]0-i lips . " [I]0-i ask the questions , "[0-i] [he]0-i smirks , then waggles a finger at [me]0-i , " and [you]0-i have n't answered the last one . "[0-i] [I]0-i throw up [my]0-i hands , " Fine , red . [My]0-i favorite color is red . "[0-i] [I]0-i stiffen , " And did [you]0-i just trick [me]0-i into revealing something personal about [myself]0-i ? "[0-i] " Only [I]0-i get to ask the questions , remember ? "[0-i] [He]0-i angles [his]0-i head . " How long did it take [The Beatles]71-the beatles to record [their]2558-their first album ? "[0-i] " 24 hours . "[0-i] [I]0-i wring [my]0-i fingers together . What 's [he]0-i getting at ? Why is [he]0-i sneaking in questions about [my]0-i personal preferences in between ? " What ’s the make of [[your]0-i favorite car]2559-your favorite car ? "[0-i] " [Maserati]105-maserati . "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl , " Not fair , why do [you]0-i even care what — ? "[0-i] " What was the name of the last album by [The Beatles]71-the beatles ? "[0-i] " [Abbey Road]23-abbey road . "[0-i] " [Your]0-i favorite flower ? "[0-i] " Lilies . "[0-i] [I]0-i purse [my]0-i lips , " Honestly , [you]0-i could have asked , [I]0-i 'd have — "[0-i] [John Lennon]84-lennon changed [his]84-lennon middle name from [Winston]106-winston to [Ono]107-ono after marrying [Yoko Ono]107-ono . True or false ? "[0-i] " True . "[0-i] " Not bad , [I]992-he have one last question for [you]0-i . "[992-he] [He]992-he grins something fierce and it feels like a cold hand touches [my]0-i heart . [He]992-he ’s trying to throw [me]0-i off kilter , trying to ruin [my]0-i concentration . That ’s all it is . [Focus Victoria]108-victoria . Do n’t let [him]992-he get to [you]0-i . Do n’t — " When is Beatles Day celebrated ? "[992-he] [He]992-he tilts [his]992-he head . " Umm .. "[992-he] [I]0-i chew on the inside of [my]0-i cheek , " It 's celebrated on June 25th ? "[0-i] “ Ehhhhh ! ”[992-he] [He]992-he makes the irritating sound of a gameshow buzzer and says " Wrong . "[992-he] " What ? "[992-he] [My]0-i jaw drops . " [You]992-he got that wrong . "[992-he] " Ca n’t be . "[0-i] [I]0-i stiffen . " It is . "[0-i] " [You]992-he ’re messing with [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . " [I]0-i ’m not . "[0-i] " [I]992-he do n’t believe [you]992-he . "[992-he] " Check the answer on [your]992-he phone . "[0-i] [I]0-i bend , pull the phone from [my]0-i bag , " [I]0-i do n’t have a signal . "[0-i] " [I]992-he do . "[992-he] [He]992-he hands [me]0-i [his]992-he phone , which [I]0-i notice is logged into [the hotel Wi - Fi]993-the hotel wi - fi . Why the hell had n't [I]0-i thought of that ? [I]0-i pull up the search engine on [his]992-he phone , then tap in [my]0-i question . The screen fills with links . [I]0-i open the first one , read it . Beatles Day is celebrated on 10th July , not to be confused with Global Beatles Day . [He]992-he grabs [his]992-he phone from [my]0-i hand , shoves it in [his]992-he pocket . [My]0-i heart begins to thud . " No , "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " It ca n’t be . "[0-i] " It ’s true , [Gigi]53-gigi . [You]53-gigi lost . "[992-he] " Piss off , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl at [him]992-he . [My]0-i guts churn and [my]0-i breathing goes shallow . This ca n’t be happening . How could [I]0-i have lost to [him]992-he , and on a Beatles ’ quiz ? " Hangonasecond , "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . " How did [you]992-he know all that ? "[0-i] " All what ? "[992-he] " Do n’t try to be obtuse ; [you]992-he know what [I]0-i mean . "[0-i] [I]0-i stab a finger in [his]992-he direction , " How did [you]992-he pick up all those facts about [[my]0-i favorite band]2560-my favorite band ? "[0-i] [He]992-he blinks , then cuts the air with [his]992-he hand . " [Everyone]2130-everyone knows the answers to those questions . "[992-he] " No , ”[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head , [They]2130-everyone do n’t . "[0-i] " It ’s all there in the public domain . "[992-he] " So [you]992-he read up on them ? "[992-he] [He]992-he raises [his]992-he shoulders . [My]0-i pulse begins to race . [I]0-i take a step forward , " Admit it , [you]992-he did . "[0-i] " Nah . "[992-he] " Do n’t lie to [me]0-i , [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] " Okay … "[992-he] [He]992-he tugs at [his]992-he collar , " Maybe a little . "[992-he] " Ha ! "[0-i] [I]0-i clap [my]0-i hands , " [I]0-i knew it . "[0-i] " Only so [I]992-he could use [my]992-he knowledge at the appropriate time . "[992-he] " When [you]992-he could take [me]0-i down ? "[0-i] [I]0-i grimace . " Exactly . "[0-i] [He]992-he taps [his]992-he foot on the ground , " Does n’t change the fact that [you]0-i lost . "[992-he] [My]0-i stomach flutters . What does it mean ? What ’s going to happen now that [he]992-he ’s beat [me]0-i at [my]0-i own game ? [He]992-he has all the bloody cards , leaving [me]0-i exposed . With nowhere to hide , [I]0-i glance sideways at the alarm button . " There ’s no need for that . "[0-i] " No ? "[992-he] [He]992-he shakes [his]992-he head , " [We]2562-we ’re done here . "[992-he] " [We]2562-we are ? "[992-he] Shit , why am [I]0-i echoing [his]992-he words ? This entire encounter has a bit of the surreal attached to it . [I]0-i bend [my]0-i knees , grab [my]0-i purse . It feels solid , familiar ; [I]0-i slip the strap over [my]0-i shoulder . " What now ? "[0-i] " Now ? [We]2562-we get married . "[0-i]

25

[Saint]47-saint

[I]0-i had revealed [my]0-i hand . Shit ! [I]0-i had n’t meant to tell [her]994-her [I]0-i knew about [her]994-her , had planned to keep that piece of information to [myself]0-i . But when [she]994-her ’d almost completely shattered , when [her]994-her gorgeous lips had parted , [her]994-her pussy clamping down , reaching for the relief only [I]0-i could provide , when [her]994-her sugary scent had deepened , fuck , if the blood had n’t left [my]0-i head permanently to park itself in [my]0-i dick . Reaching down , [I]0-i adjust [myself]0-i , then snatch up [my]0-i phone and shoot off a text message , before following [her]994-her . [She]994-her walks ahead of [me]0-i , thank fuck , so [she]994-her ca n’t see the evidence of exactly how [she]994-her affected [me]0-i in [there]220-there . [I]0-i ’d trapped both of [us]996-us in [the elevator]628-the elevator . Because , yeah , cliché much ? Could n’t pass up the opportunity to try to subjugate [her]994-her , let [her]994-her know that [I]0-i hold the power … [I]0-i sure had n’t bloody intended to hand it over to [her]994-her . [She]994-her pulls the rug from under [my]0-i feet … When [she]994-her is n’t keeping [me]0-i on [my]0-i toes , that is . Does [she]994-her know that ? [She]994-her pauses at the end of [the corridor]339-the corridor , where the double doors open into [the ball room]999-the ball room . [We]996-us ’re on the floor below [[my]0-i penthouse suite]1000-my penthouse suite on [the top floor of [Claridge 's]85-claridge]1001-the top floor of claridge 's . [I]0-i could n’t have chosen [the venue]2482-the venue better ; guess [the Seven]2150-the seven have [their]2150-the seven uses … sometimes . Allowing [me]0-i to get married and afford a quick getaway after the ceremony with [my]0-i — hold on there . [I]0-i halt so quickly that [my]0-i heels dig into the plush carpet below . Marriage . [Bride]109-bride . This is n’t real . It ’s a quick ceremony to seal the deal . Like it ’s something [I]0-i do every day — not . Treat it like a painful meeting , one in which [you]1004-you 're surrounded by opponents looking to tear [you]1004-you down . [I]0-i rub the back of [my]0-i neck ; right now , [I]0-i 'd take that over this mock wedding . [She]1005-her turns to glance at [me]0-i . " Go on , open the door , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]1005-her frowns . " This really is unnecessary . [You]0-i know that , right ? "[1005-her] " Is it now ? "[0-i] [I]0-i draw up next to [her]1005-her . " [I]0-i think it ’s the one thing that will bind [you]1005-her to [me]0-i , prevent [you]1005-her from running away and spilling everything [you]1005-her ’ve seen and heard to [[your]1005-her handler]2563-your handler . "[0-i] [She]1005-her flinches . " It … it is n’t like that . "[0-i] " Oh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scrutinize [her]1005-her features . " Enlighten [me]1005-her , then . "[1005-her] [She]1005-her wrings [her]1005-her fingers together , " [I]1005-her ... [I]1005-her ca n't tell [you]0-i . "[1005-her] " Why not ? "[1005-her] [She]1005-her wraps [her]1005-her arms around [her]1005-her waist , glances away . Anger shoots through [my]0-i veins . Damn [her]1005-her , what is [she]1005-her hiding from [me]0-i ? Why did it have to be [her]1005-her to entrance [me]0-i so ? If only [I]0-i could erase thoughts of [her]1005-her from [my]0-i mind and return to [my]0-i life as it had been . [I]0-i wrap [my]0-i fingers around [her]1005-her throat . [Her]1005-her gaze widens . [Her]1005-her pupils dilate . [I]0-i scan [her]1005-her flushed features , the way [she]1005-her ’s arched into [my]0-i hold on the balls of [her]1005-her feet , handbag dangling at [her]1005-her shoulder , yet every part of [her]1005-her ready , in sync with [my]0-i needs , [her]1005-her face upturned , [her]1005-her breathing ragged . " Shit , [you]1005-her like it when [I]1005-her ’m rough , do n’t [you]1005-her ? "[1005-her] [She]1005-her swallows . " Is breath play [your]1005-her thing , [Gigi]53-gigi ? Does it get [you]1005-her off ? "[1005-her] [She]1005-her nods . " Who else has touched [you]1005-her like this ? "[1005-her] " [Nobody else]2564-nobody else , "[1005-her] [she]1005-her whispers . Could that be true ? " Am [I]1005-her [[your]1005-her first dominant]2565-your first dominant ? Were [you]1005-her telling the truth when [you]1005-her said [your]1005-her arse is untouched ? Tell [me]1005-her [Gigi]53-gigi , tell [me]1005-her . "[1005-her] [She]1005-her opens [her]1005-her mouth . " Yes , "[1005-her] [she]1005-her chokes out , " it ’s true . "[1005-her] " What is ? "[1005-her] " All of it . [You]1005-her 're [my]1005-her first ... [Dom]110-dom . "[1005-her] [She]1005-her hiccups , " And [no - one else]631-no - one else has taken [me]1005-her there . "[1005-her] " [Your]1005-her arse belongs to [me]1005-her , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1005-her] [She]1005-her stares . [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i grip . Color blooms on [her]1005-her skin and [she]1005-her rubs [her]1005-her thighs together , [her]1005-her gaze fixed on [my]0-i face as [she]1005-her stalks [my]0-i features , trying to read [my]0-i intentions , what [my]0-i next move is going to be . [I]0-i pull [her]1005-her close enough that [her]1005-her breasts almost touch [my]0-i chest . Almost . " Say it , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " [Yours]0-i , "[1005-her] [she]1005-her whispers . " What is ? "[1005-her] " [My]1005-her arse is [yours]0-i . "[1005-her] " And [your]1005-her pussy ? "[0-i] [I]0-i bring down [my]0-i other hand to cup the warmth between [her]1005-her legs , knowing [she]1005-her ’ll be wet . " Fuck , [I]1005-her can feel the stickiness of [your]1005-her cum through [your]1005-her clothes , [you]0-i know that ? "[1005-her] [She]1005-her gulps ; [her]1005-her chest rises and falls . " Answer [me]1005-her , [Gigi]53-gigi . Who does [your]1005-her cunt belong to ? "[1005-her] " [You]0-i , [Sir]2262-sir . "[1005-her] " And [your]1005-her breasts ? "[0-i] [I]0-i release [her]1005-her core to pinch [her]1005-her nipple through [her]1005-her dress . [She]1005-her moans . " Tell [me]1005-her , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1005-her] " [You]1005-her , they belong to [you]1005-her . "[1005-her] " And [your]1005-her hungry gaze , with which [you]1005-her watch [me]1005-her as [I]1005-her come , who does that belong to ? "[1005-her] " [You]1005-her . "[1005-her] " [Your]1005-her hair , [your]1005-her skin , the nails on [your]1005-her toes , the eyelashes that frame those gorgeous eyes … Whose are [they]2568-they ? "[1005-her] " [Yours]1005-her . "[1005-her] " And [you]1005-her . Who do [you]1005-her belong to , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[1005-her] " [You]53-gigi , [Sir]2262-sir . [I]1005-her belong to [you]53-gigi . "[1005-her] " Damn fucking right . "[1005-her] [My]0-i cock hardens impossibly and [my]0-i balls tighten . The doors open . [I]0-i yank [her]1006-her close , press [my]0-i lips to [hers]1006-her . " Do n’t fucking let [me]0-i down now , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper against [her]1006-her mouth . " [You]1005-her feel [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[0-i] [She]1006-her nods . " [Saint]47-saint[Victoria]108-victoria , why is it that [you]108-victoria two ca n’t keep [your]108-victoria hands off [each other]2117-each other for the few minutes that ’s needed from [you]108-victoria to seal this holy union ? "[1006-her] [Victoria]108-victoria tries to pull away . [I]0-i release [her]1006-her neck , only to wind [my]0-i arm around [her]1006-her waist and pull [her]1006-her close . [She]1006-her resists , but [I]0-i tug with enough force that [she]1006-her falls into [me]0-i . [I]0-i keep [her]1006-her there , pressed from thigh to hip , tuck [her]1006-her under [my]0-i arm . Good . [I]0-i have [her]1006-her where [I]0-i can finally keep an eye — and other parts of [my]0-i body — tuned into [her]1006-her . [I]0-i glance at [Edward]74-edward , " Perhaps because there is n’t [an unholier couple in history who ’ve attempted to make a go at this bloody ceremony]2571-an unholier couple in history who ’ve attempted to make a go at this bloody ceremony ? "[0-i] " [Saint]47-saint , "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward admonishes [me]0-i , " language . "[74-edward] " Fuck , [Father]2572-father . Seriously ? "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward frowns , then steps back . [We]1007-we walk through , and come to a halt . [I]0-i glance around [the assembled faces]1008-the assembled faces . " [The fuck]521-the fuck ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glower . " What ’s this , a circus ? "[0-i] " [You]108-victoria ’re getting married , [ol' chap]2068-ol' chap , could n’t pass up the opportunity to invite [[our]1007-we friends]807-our friends to witness [your]108-victoria downfall , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston ambles forward . [Amelie]62-weston breaks away from [his]62-weston side and darts forward . [She]1009-she embraces [Victoria]108-victoria , " Oh [my]1009-she God ! "[1009-she] [she]1009-she whisper - screams , " [You]0-i ’re doing this ? [You]0-i ’re actually gon na go through with this , [V]70-v ? "[1009-she] [Victoria]108-victoria pats [the woman]2107-the woman on [her]108-victoria shoulder as [her]1009-she eyes meet [mine]0-i . [I]0-i glare at [her]1009-she . [She]1009-she swallows , something in [her]1009-she gaze pleading with [me]0-i , beseeching [me]0-i ... For what ? Reassurance ? Asking [me]0-i to tell [her]1009-she that it will all be okay ? Perhaps a promise that all the bad stuff will go away and [we]1011-we ’ll live happily ever after ? Not . [She]1009-she ’s not getting anything of the sort from [me]0-i . [I]0-i turn away , crack [my]0-i neck . " The fuck is it so hot in here ? "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston blinks . [He]62-weston peers into [my]0-i face , then chuckles . " [You]0-i nervous , [man]2109-man ? "[62-weston] " Of course , not , "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . " [You]0-i should be . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston grins , " Not every day that [one of [the most confirmed bachelors in [town]2579-town]2578-the most confirmed bachelors in town]2577-one of the most confirmed bachelors in town decides to walk down the aisle . "[62-weston] " It ’s a fake wedding , [dickwad]2580-dickwad , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [He]62-weston laughs , " [You]0-i sure about that ? "[62-weston] " Of course , [I]0-i am … [I]0-i mean , it ’s real to begin , but [I]0-i plan to walk away from [her]2577-one of the most confirmed bachelors in town when — "[0-i] [I]0-i twist [my]0-i lips . " When ? "[0-i] " When all of this is over , of course , "[0-i] [I]0-i wave a hand in the air . " What is over ? "[0-i] [He]62-weston folds [his]62-weston arms over [his]62-weston chest , " Explain it to [me]62-weston , [Sherlock]111-sherlock . "[62-weston] " When [we]2581-we ’ve tracked down [the members of [the Mafia who did this to [us]2581-we , make sure [they]2582-the members of the mafia who did this to us , make sure they are locked away , or better still , six feet under . and when she is safe are locked away , or better still , six feet under]2583-the mafia who did this to us , make sure they are locked away , or better still , six feet under . And when [she]1012-she is safe]2582-the members of the mafia who did this to us , make sure they are locked away , or better still , six feet under . and when she is safe , when — "[62-weston] [my]0-i voice tapers off . Shit , do [I]0-i mean that ? No . [I]0-i do n’t mean that . Did [I]0-i propose a marriage to tie [her]1012-she to [me]0-i ? Of course , [I]0-i did , but only so [I]0-i can keep [[my]0-i property]1013-my property safe . Because [she]1012-she is the key to unlocking the door , to leading [us]1014-us to those who turned [our]1014-us lives upside down . " [You]0-i gon na complete [your]0-i sentence anytime soon ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston smirks . " No , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl , then drag [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . " [You]62-weston do n’t have to seem so pleased with [yourself]62-weston . [You]62-weston wait until it ’s [your]62-weston time . "[0-i] " [My]62-weston time ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston cups [his]62-weston chin , " [I]62-weston ’m not [the one who proposed a wedding to get close to an asset]2584-the one who proposed a wedding to get close to an asset . "[62-weston] " [She]2585-she ’s more than that , "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . " Of course , [she]2585-she is … to [you]0-i . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston slaps [my]0-i shoulder . " It ’s what landed [you]0-i in this mess . "[62-weston] " Fuck . "[0-i] [My]0-i heart begins to race . Sweat beads [my]0-i palms . " [You]62-weston ’re talking as if [my]62-weston life is over … "[62-weston] " In a way , it is ... Beginning of a journey , and all that bullshit ... "[62-weston] " Do n’t [you]62-weston have a procedure to attend to ? [You]62-weston ’re supposed to be [a hot - shot doctor]2586-a hot - shot doctor — "[62-weston] " Who would n’t pass up the chance to be there for [one of [[his]1015-he closest friends]2588-his closest friends]2587-one of his closest friends . "[62-weston] " Ha , "[0-i] [I]0-i snort . " What [a crock of bull - fucking - shit]2589-a crock of bull - fucking - shit . [You]62-weston ’re here to ensure [I]0-i am tied up so [you]62-weston can capitalize on the assets of [7A Investments]2590-7a investments and [FOK media]25-fok investments . "[0-i] " Now would [I]1015-he do that ? "[1015-he] [He]1015-he raises [his]1015-he hands . " After all , everything is spelled out in black and white . No way , can [I]1015-he go against the split of profits . "[1015-he] " There are other ways to go behind [our]2591-our backs and take what ’s not due to [you]1015-he . "[0-i] " Especially when it ’s money that should have come to [you]1015-he . "[0-i] [He]1015-he nods , " Now , [I]1015-he am not saying it had n’t crossed [my]1015-he mind . "[1015-he] [He]1015-he grins . " Not [my]1015-he fault if [I]1015-he pull it off either , given [you]0-i and [Sinner]73-sinner — "[1015-he] [he]1015-he jabs a thumb over [his]1015-he shoulder , " are occupied with matters of the heart , and all that . "[1015-he] " This is n’t a matter of the heart , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " [You]0-i ’re right , again . "[1015-he] [He]1015-he slaps [my]0-i shoulder . " It ’s [your]0-i dick that ’s leading [you]0-i on , [man]2109-man . [You]0-i should ’ve fucked [her]2593-her and gotten it out of [your]0-i system — "[1015-he] [I]0-i redden . " What ? "[0-i] [He]1015-he opens and closes [his]1015-he mouth , " No . "[1015-he] " Shut up , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . [He]1015-he takes [me]0-i by [my]0-i shoulders . " Look into [my]1015-he eyes , [[my]1015-he child]2594-my child . Tell [me]1015-he it ’s not what [I]1015-he suspect it is . "[1015-he] " Back the fuck off , [wanker]2472-wanker . "[1015-he] [He]1015-he searches [my]0-i features , " It is , is n’t it ? "[1015-he] " What is ? "[1015-he] a familiar voice sounds behind [him]1015-he . [I]0-i groan , " No , no , no . Enough of this asinine chitchat . "[0-i] [Arpad]75-arpad saunters up , " [The man]207-the man doth protest too much . "[75-arpad] " Why the fuck are n’t [you]1015-he on [your]1015-he watch already ? "[0-i] " Because , "[1015-he] [he]1015-he opens [his]1015-he arm wide , " [I]1015-he had to see [you]0-i safely married first . "[1015-he] [I]0-i glare at [him]1015-he , " [You]1015-he seem in a rare , fine mood , [ass wipe]2597-ass wipe . "[0-i] " [Temper]112-temper , [ol' chap]2068-ol' chap . Got ta watch that old ticker , now that [you]0-i ’re getting into a different phase of [your]0-i life . [You]0-i ’re going to have [your]0-i hands full , as it is , dealing with [the wife]2599-the wife[The kids]2600-the kids . "[1015-he] " What ? "[0-i] [I]0-i gape . " [No kids]2601-no kids , "[0-i] [I]0-i cut the air with [my]0-i hand , " no way . "[0-i] " No patter of little feet in [[your]0-i living room]2602-your living room then ? "[50-damian] [Damian]50-damian prowls over , [his]50-damian golden locks glinting in the light from the chandelier above . " [You]0-i mean , [you]0-i do n’t want [the little devils]2603-the little devils waking [you]0-i up early in the mornings ? "[50-damian] " Nope . "[0-i] " But … but , [you]50-damian ’ll have so much fun teaching [them]2603-the little devils to play Cricket . Oh , wait , the potty training comes before that . That could be fun ; [you]50-damian ’d be a natural at it . "[50-damian] [I]0-i stare at [him]50-damian in growing horror , " [Jesus]98-jesus , [I]0-i have no idea what [you]50-damian ’re talking about . [I]0-i will never have [kids]462-kids as long as [I]0-i live , okay ? "[0-i] Why is [my]0-i voice rising , making it sound like [I]0-i ’m panicking ? . [Victoria]108-victoria glances across [the room]319-the room at [me]0-i . [I]0-i meet [her]108-victoria gaze , [my]0-i features rigid . Did [she]108-victoria hear what [I]0-i said ? Well , best that [she]108-victoria knows . Not that it matters . [I]0-i do n’t intend to get into any situation where that is a likely problem between [us]1017-us . " What do [you]0-i have against [children]2511-children ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston frowns . " Nothing , so long as [they]2511-children are n’t [mine]0-i . "[62-weston] How can [I]0-i explain that [I]0-i do n’t want [my]0-i DNA to be propagated ? Not after [I]0-i ’d realized exactly how out of control [I]0-i could get . Not after the time [I]0-i ’d almost killed [the man who ’d tortured [me]0-i , who ’d hurt [me]0-i like [no one else]2294-no one else ever had]1018-the man who ’d tortured me , who ’d hurt me like no one else ever had . The only way to forget those images was to lock them away deep inside , along with [my]0-i ability to feel . If [I]0-i ca n’t feel , [I]0-i wo n’t feel that burning anguish that came from [my]0-i body physically breaking down — when [my]0-i mind could n’t steer [my]0-i responses , when [I]0-i had lost all ability to be in command . [I]0-i ’ll never lose control again . Never . [I]0-i widen [my]0-i stance . " [I]0-i wo n’t hear another word on this topic from any of [you]1020-you . "[0-i] [I]0-i survey [their]1020-you faces . " Ever again . "[0-i] " [These guys]2606-these guys getting to [you]0-i , huh ? "[45-sinclair] [Sinclair]45-sinclair ambles over . [He]45-sinclair seems rested , [his]45-sinclair suit impeccable , as always . [Fucker]113-fucker looks about ready to walk the ramp , while [I]0-i ? [I]0-i raise [my]0-i arm and sniff [myself]0-i . " Shit ! [I]0-i think [I]0-i forgot to shower after the gym . "[0-i] " No time for that now , "[45-sinclair] [he]45-sinclair grins . " [We]2607-we can push this back by an hour … "[45-sinclair] [I]0-i shuffle [my]0-i feet , " Maybe two ? "[0-i] " Now come on , [you]45-sinclair got [us]2607-we all here . Hell , [I]0-i had to put off taking Summer Christmas shopping , so [we]2607-we could attend [your]45-sinclair nuptials . The least [you]0-i could do is give [me]0-i the satisfaction of going through with it . "[0-i] " Because , of course , that ’s a good enough reason to get married , huh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glower . " As good a reason as any , considering [you]0-i are n’t acknowledging the real reasons why [you]0-i ’re doing it , "[0-i] [Sinclair]45-sinclair snorts . " And [you]0-i know that , how ? "[45-sinclair] " Because [I]0-i was in [[your]45-sinclair place]2608-your place . "[0-i] " Do n’t listen to [Sterling]45-sinclair , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston leans forward on the balls of [his]62-weston feet . " [He]45-sinclair ’s not in any position to give [you]0-i advice , considering [he]45-sinclair ’s got the old ball and chain firmly attached to [his]45-sinclair ankle . "[62-weston] [Sinclair]45-sinclair bares [his]45-sinclair teeth , " Watch what [you]0-i say , [Kincaid]93-doc . "[45-sinclair] " Not saying anything wrong . "[62-weston] " Maybe not , but it ’s not as bad as it ’s cut out to be either . ’ "[45-sinclair] Is n’t it ? " [Weston]62-weston drums [his]62-weston fingers on [his]62-weston chest , "[45-sinclair] That ’s what [the pussy - whipped ones]1021-the pussy - whipped ones always say . " "[45-sinclair] [I]0-i ’m not — " "[0-i] Sin , [darling]2102-darling . " [Sinclair]45-sinclair whips [his]45-sinclair head around . [Summer]44-summer waves at [him]45-sinclair from the corner , where [she]44-summer ’s huddled with [[her]44-summer friends]2609-her friends . "[2102-darling] Come over , [babe]1023-babe . [You]1023-babe got ta hear this . " [Sinclair]45-sinclair ’s face lights up . [He]45-sinclair pivots , moves toward [them]2609-her friends . "[1023-babe] Pussy - whipped . " [Weston]62-weston shakes [his]62-weston head , "[1023-babe] [The man who could n’t stand to be among [people]2061-people]1024-the man who could n’t stand to be among people , now willingly allows [himself]1024-the man who could n’t stand to be among people to be drawn into the midst of [a crowd]651-a crowd . " [He]45-sinclair makes a gagging sound . "[0-i] [I]0-i heard [you]0-i , " [Sinclair]45-sinclair glowers at [him]0-i over [his]45-sinclair shoulder . "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ll get back at [you]0-i for this , [tosser]1027-tosser . " "[1027-tosser] Too fucking late , " [Weston]62-weston mutters . "[1027-tosser] [He]1028-he ’s sinking , [man]2109-man , and [he]1028-he is n’t even aware of it . ’ [I]0-i watch as [Sinclair]45-sinclair stalks over to [Summer]44-summer . [He]45-sinclair wraps [his]45-sinclair arm around [the tiny woman]1030-the tiny woman , draws [her]1030-the tiny woman into [his]45-sinclair side . [She]1030-the tiny woman literally melts into [him]45-sinclair and [he]45-sinclair nuzzles [her]1030-the tiny woman hair . [A waitress]1031-a waitress materializes next to [Damian]50-damian . " God help [us]2610-us . [I]45-sinclair need a drink . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair takes the glass of champagne , glances at the hem of [her]1030-the tiny woman skirt , which barely reaches mid - thigh . " When do [you]45-sinclair get off ? "[1031-a waitress] [She]1031-a waitress bats [her]1031-a waitress eyelids , " Anytime [you]45-sinclair want . "[1031-a waitress] [He]45-sinclair downs [his]45-sinclair drink in one shot . Then hands the empty glass to [me]0-i . " The fuck ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown , " What are [you]62-weston up to ? "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair takes the tray with the remaining drink glasses from [her]1030-the tiny woman , and thrusts it at [Weston]62-weston , who grunts , " Do n’t make too much noise , will [ya]2359-the girl ? "[62-weston] [Damian]50-damian smirks at [the girl]2359-the girl , " [You]2359-the girl heard that . [I]50-damian am going to make [you]2359-the girl scream like [you]2359-the girl never have before . "[50-damian] [Her]1030-the tiny woman chest heaves . " [I]1030-the tiny woman ca n’t wait , "[1030-the tiny woman] [she]1030-the tiny woman breathes . [He]45-sinclair jerks [his]45-sinclair chin , then stalks to the exit . " The fuck is [he]45-sinclair going ? "[45-sinclair] " [I]62-weston think [he]45-sinclair ’s cutting [his]45-sinclair losses . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston reaches for a flute . [I]0-i take it from [him]62-weston , replacing it with [Damian]50-damian 's empty one . " Thanks . "[0-i] [I]0-i toss it back . The champagne goes down smoothly . " [I]45-sinclair ’ll be billing [[you]2359-the girl guys]2381-you guys for the expenses of this rush job , of course . ”[45-sinclair] " [You]0-i ’re a real piece of shit , [you]0-i know that ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston drawls . " The least [you]0-i could do is pay for [your]0-i own wedding . "[62-weston] " Was n’t [my]62-weston idea to have it [here]260-here in [this hotel]2477-this hotel , losing business for the time [we]2614-we have to shut [it]2477-this hotel down for the ceremony . "[62-weston] [His]62-weston jaw drops . " [You]0-i serious ? "[62-weston] " Of course . "[0-i] [I]0-i grab another flute of Champagne from [a passing waitress]1033-a passing waitress . “ There was n’t anything else scheduled for [this room]2615-this room a couple of hours ago , [you]0-i cheap ( insert insult of [your]0-i choice ) . Were [you]0-i expecting a last - minute booking ? ”[0-i] [I]0-i shrug , “ Maybe . ”[0-i] [He]62-weston hands the half - filled tray over to [the woman]2107-the woman , then grabs two glasses for [himself]62-weston . [The waitress]1035-the waitress hesitates , then glances at [me]0-i , " Congratulations , [Sir]2262-sir . "[1035-the waitress] " Fuck off , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]1035-the waitress pales , then scurries off . " Take it easy , [man]2109-man , "[1035-the waitress] [Weston]62-weston cautions . " What - fucking - ever . "[62-weston] [I]0-i glance around [the room]319-the room , filled with [the Seven who are in [town]2579-town]1037-the seven who are in town … and [Summer]44-summer and [[her]44-summer girlfriends]1039-her girlfriends .

[Victoria]108-victoria glances up at [me]0-i , [her]108-victoria face pale . [Her]1035-the waitress gaze flicks to the door , then [she]1035-the waitress looks away . Fuck . [I]0-i can see the hollows under [her]1035-the waitress cheekbones . Has [she]1035-the waitress eaten anything at all ? " Perhaps it ’s time to get this shit - show on the road , huh ? "[0-i] " [We]2618-we ’re waiting for [Jace]68-jace and [Sienna]67-sienna , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston takes a sip of the champagne . " [You]0-i stock good stuff , at least . [I]62-weston ’ll give [you]0-i that . "[62-weston] " Enjoy it , [asshole]2374-asshole . [You]0-i ’re paying for it , after all . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston makes a tsk’ing sound , " [Someone]236-someone ’s nervous . "[62-weston] " [Bitch]2474-bitch ! "[0-i] [I]0-i grumble , " [I]0-i ca n’t wait for it to be [your]62-weston turn . [I]0-i ’ll fucking gloat . "[0-i] " Sure . Considering [I]62-weston am not about to fall into the trap anytime soon . "[62-weston] A laugh peels out . [He]62-weston glowers across [the room]319-the room . [I]0-i follow the direction of [his]62-weston gaze to where [Amelie]62-weston is talking with [the other women]480-the other women . [Amelie]62-weston gesticulates excitedly , then props a hand on [her]1042-her hip . [She]1042-her tosses [her]1042-her hair , thrusts out a hand , in what [I]0-i assume is a punchline in [her]1042-her joke . [Summer]44-summer and [Isla]65-isla laugh . " [That woman]2622-that woman , [she]2622-that woman 's bloody annoying . "[65-isla] " Who ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask , taking in [Victoria]108-victoria 's erect figure as [she]1042-her stands silent , [her]1042-her lips curved in the makings of a smile . " [Amelie]62-weston , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston snorts , " [she]2622-that woman talks too much , laughs too much , and have [you]0-i noticed what [she]2622-that woman 's wearing ? "[62-weston] " Huh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glance at [her]1042-her dress , " What 's wrong with it ? "[0-i] " Too much skin . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston looks [her]1042-her up and down , " [Her]1042-her legs are too long for [her]1042-her dress . And [her]1042-her hair ... Why is [she]1042-her wearing it up ? And those fuck [me]62-weston heels ? Seriously , [you]0-i 'd think [she]1042-her was trying to attract [every male in the vicinity]2623-every male in the vicinity . "[62-weston] " [You]0-i 're attracted to [her]1042-her ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston laughs , " Not bloody likely . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston continues to watch [her]1042-her . " [She]1042-her 's not [my]62-weston type . "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston turns [her]1042-her head , catches [his]62-weston eye . [She]1042-her draws [herself]1042-her up to [her]1042-her full height and flips [him]62-weston the bird , then turns [her]1042-her back on [him]62-weston . " What the fuck — ? "[62-weston] [he]62-weston sputters . [I]0-i laugh , " Yep , [she]1042-her 's definitely not [your]62-weston type . "[0-i] " What do [you]62-weston mean ? "[62-weston] " [She]108-victoria has too much spirit for [you]62-weston . "[0-i] " Hmm . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston strokes [his]62-weston chin . " Maybe , maybe not . "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston whispers in [Victoria]108-victoria 's ear and [Victoria]108-victoria 's smile broadens . [Her]108-victoria features light up . [My]0-i breath catches . [She]108-victoria 's beautiful , [the woman [I]0-i 'm about to marry]1043-the woman i 'm about to marry . [I]0-i roll [my]0-i shoulders . Married ? [I]0-i am fucking getting married . Had it been a moment of insanity when [I]0-i ’d told [her]108-victoria to get hitched to [me]0-i ? Or … [I]0-i ca n’t stop [my]0-i gaze from wandering over [her]108-victoria curves . At least , [she]108-victoria ’s not wearing black . Red . That ’s [her]108-victoria color . [Her]108-victoria dress is conservatively cut , but it clings to [her]108-victoria body , highlighting those high perky breasts , the swell of [her]108-victoria hips , those long , long legs that [I]0-i want wrapped around [my]0-i waist ... [my]0-i head — No , not yet . First , [I]0-i am going to bend [her]108-victoria over and take [her]108-victoria from behind as [I]0-i ’ve promised [myself]0-i . Sheath [myself]0-i in [[her]108-victoria virgin hole]1044-her virgin hole … Fuck . [My]0-i dick lengthens . [I]0-i ’ve never cared before about being [any woman]844-any woman ’s first in any way … but with [Gigi]53-gigi … Something about [her]53-gigi makes [me]0-i want to claim every new experience of [hers]53-gigi . [She]53-gigi is [mine]0-i to own . To break . To possess . To use in getting to [my]0-i final goal . [I]0-i pull out [my]0-i phone , cue it up , then hand it over to [Weston]62-weston . " What ’s that ? "[62-weston] “ Ask [the staff]2624-the staff to cue it up over the speakers in [the room]319-the room , will [you]62-weston ? "[62-weston] " Now ? "[62-weston] " Right away . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston snatches up the phone and walks off . [My]0-i heart begins to race . Sweat beads [my]0-i temples . [I]0-i curl [my]0-i hands at [my]0-i sides , then glance over again . [Victoria]108-victoria tips up [her]108-victoria head . [Our]1046-our gazes clash — green , emerald seas , stormy with a hint of wariness , fortified with that strength [I]0-i am coming to associate with [her]53-gigi . [She]53-gigi swallows and [her]53-gigi lips tremble . [I]0-i take in [her]53-gigi features — [her]53-gigi flushed cheeks , the straight set of [her]53-gigi shoulders , [her]53-gigi stiff spine . [She]53-gigi is ready to take on [the world]212-the world , to face anything . [The woman]2107-the woman has a resilience that belies [her]53-gigi delicate build . [I]0-i hold out [my]0-i hand . [She]53-gigi draws in a breath . [I]0-i hold [her]53-gigi gaze , jerk [my]0-i chin . [She]53-gigi draws [herself]53-gigi up to [her]53-gigi full height , hesitates . [She]53-gigi twists [her]53-gigi fingers in front of [her]53-gigi . Under the skirt of [her]53-gigi dress , [her]53-gigi thighs move . Is [she]53-gigi turned on ? Can [she]53-gigi sense the imprint of [my]0-i fingers inside of [her]53-gigi , [my]0-i tongue licking [her]53-gigi clit , [my]0-i mouth biting down on [her]53-gigi pussy as [I]0-i take [her]53-gigi to the edge , only to draw back , leaving [her]53-gigi waiting , wanting , needing . The opening notes of All [You]1049-you Need is Love by [The Beatles]71-the beatles fill [the room]319-the room . [The crowd]534-the crowd quietens . [Her]53-gigi gaze widens . Come . [I]0-i curl [my]0-i fingers . [She]53-gigi takes a step toward [me]0-i , and another . [I]0-i stay where [I]0-i am , brace [my]0-i feet against the plush carpets , hand outstretched , stalking [her]53-gigi as [she]53-gigi closes the distance between [us]1052-us . When [she]53-gigi reaches [me]0-i , [she]53-gigi pauses , glances down at [my]0-i hand , then back at [my]0-i face . [I]0-i allow a smirk to curl [my]0-i lips . Make a dash for it . Try to escape . Do it . [She]53-gigi places [her]53-gigi hand in [mine]0-i . [I]0-i blink . The warmth of [her]53-gigi fingers bleeds into [my]0-i skin . [Her]53-gigi touch is soft , like the petals of a flower , waiting to be torn from its stem . [Her]53-gigi palm trembles and [she]53-gigi draws back , but [I]0-i shackle [her]53-gigi wrist with [my]0-i fingers . [She]53-gigi shudders . [I]0-i draw [her]53-gigi close , weave [my]0-i fingers with [hers]53-gigi . Stare down into [her]53-gigi eyes , drinking from that glimmer of anticipation , of surprise , of … Something more [I]0-i ca n’t quite define . [Her]53-gigi scent crowds [my]0-i nostrils — subtle lilies , a dash of pepper , laced with that sweetness that tells [me]0-i [she]53-gigi ’s aroused . [My]0-i groin hardens and [my]0-i cock thickens . [I]0-i squeeze [her]53-gigi fingers . " [You]0-i remembered that [I]53-gigi love [the Beatles]71-the beatles ? "[53-gigi] [She]53-gigi whispers . " [I]53-gigi told [you]0-i , [I]53-gigi 'd never forget anything about [you]0-i . "[53-gigi] [I]0-i nod toward the front of [the room]319-the room . " Ready , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[0-i]

26

What did [the hamburger]1054-the hamburger buy [[his]1054-the hamburger sweetheart]1055-his sweetheart ? Answer : An onion ring Victoria

No , [I]0-i ’m not ready . [I]0-i ’ll never be ready . [He]1054-the hamburger walks forward and [I]0-i follow . Not that [I]0-i have a choice . Not that [I]0-i am going to resist . It does n’t matter what transpired before this . [I]0-i am here … With [him]1054-the hamburger now ... Next to [him]1054-the hamburger , as [he]1054-the hamburger moves toward where [Edward]74-edward , [the same minister who married [Sinclair]45-sinclair and [Summer]44-summer]1056-the same minister who married sinclair and summer , waits for [us]1057-us . " What about the paperwork for the wedding ? "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " It ’s taken care of . "[0-i] " But how … ? "[1054-the hamburger] [He]1054-the hamburger angles an eyebrow , " Does it matter ? [I]1054-the hamburger am [the third richest man in [the country]200-the country]2626-the third richest man in the country . Do [you]0-i think something like paperwork would get in the way of [me]1054-the hamburger from getting what [I]1054-the hamburger want ? "[1054-the hamburger] Right . Of course . Anything can be bought with money … except [me]0-i . [He]1054-the hamburger probably thinks that ’s why [I]0-i ’m standing here in this sham of a ceremony , tying [myself]0-i to [him]1054-the hamburger for as long as [he]1054-the hamburger intends to have [me]0-i ? [I]0-i stiffen [my]0-i shoulders . [I]0-i ’ve got this . [I]0-i ’ll let [him]1054-the hamburger think what [he]1054-the hamburger wants . [I]0-i can get through this . [I]0-i ’ve made it this far … [I]0-i ’m approaching the last mile . This will make it easier for [me]0-i to keep an eye on [him]1054-the hamburger . Surely , the proximity will ensure [I]0-i can wrangle [my]0-i way into [his]1054-the hamburger affairs . [I]0-i lean into [him]1054-the hamburger , " What were the results of the blood tests ? "[0-i] " [You]1054-the hamburger 're clean . So am [I.]1054-the hamburger "[1054-the hamburger] [He]1054-the hamburger angles [his]1054-the hamburger head , " Not that [we]1058-we needed to know in advance of tonight . "[1054-the hamburger] Huh ? [I]0-i furrow [my]0-i brows . Does that mean … ? [He]1054-the hamburger does n’t intend to fuck [me]0-i on [our]1058-we wedding night ? And it would be fucking , make no mistake . [He]1054-the hamburger ’s told [me]0-i , in no uncertain terms , that [he]1054-the hamburger means to have [me]0-i … Or perhaps [he]1054-the hamburger ’s not [the bare back kind]1059-the bare back kind … ? A hollowness grips [my]0-i stomach . " Funny , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper back , " [I]0-i would have thought [you]1054-the hamburger ’d be [the kind who would n’t let a rubber come between [you]1054-the hamburger and [[your]1054-the hamburger wife]2629-your wife]2628-the kind who would n’t let a rubber come between you and your wife . "[0-i] " [You]0-i ’re right , "[1054-the hamburger] [his]1054-the hamburger lips twist . " [I]1054-the hamburger am ? "[1054-the hamburger] [He]1054-the hamburger nods . " If [you]0-i had been [[my]1054-the hamburger wife]851-my wife , [I]1054-the hamburger ’d have taken [your]0-i cunt with nothing except [our]2631-our skin separating [us]2631-our . [I]1054-the hamburger ’d have shagged [you]0-i raw , until [we]2631-our melded into [each other]2117-each other … But then … [You]0-i ’re not [[my]1054-the hamburger wife]851-my wife , are [you]0-i … ? Not really . "[1054-the hamburger] [My]0-i heart twists . A pressure builds behind [my]0-i eyes , " [You]0-i ’re a piece of shit , [you]0-i know that ? "[0-i] " Takes one to know one , dear [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1060-his] " [I]0-i fucking hate [you]1060-his . "[0-i] [I]0-i try to pull away . [His]1060-his grip tightens and [he]1060-his holds [me]0-i in place . " Hang onto that sentiment . [You]0-i ’ll need it for what [I]1060-his have planned for [us]2634-us tonight . "[1060-his] The song dies away . That [he]1060-his 'd remembered to choose a song ... for this event . What does it mean ? Does [he]1060-his have feelings for [me]0-i , despite [his]1060-his tendency to retreat into [his]1060-his douchebag extraordinaire persona ? [My]0-i head spins . [My]0-i belly lurches and [my]0-i pulse begins to thud . [His]1060-his cryptic comments are getting to [me]0-i . Hell . What am [I]0-i doing ? Why am [I]0-i here ? Had [I]0-i actually thought [I]0-i ’d get through this and find a way to rescue [Nina]52-nina ? [I]0-i glance around [the space]532-the space . [Amelie]62-weston ’s gaze meets [mine]0-i . [She]1062-she smiles , holds up crossed fingers , then pushes the tips against [her]1062-she forehead and mimics a gun firing off . A chuckle wells up , even as a tear trails down [my]0-i cheek . [I]0-i will not cry . Will not . [I]0-i swallow down the lump that blocks [my]0-i throat . Just get through this . One step at a time . [I]0-i can do this . [I]0-i can . Next to [Amelie]62-weston , [Summer]44-summer catches [my]0-i eye . [Her]44-summer features are pinched . [She]44-summer looks from [me]0-i to [Saint]47-saint , then back to [me]0-i . [Her]44-summer forehead creases . [I]0-i read the question on [her]44-summer face . How [I]0-i wish [I]0-i could confide in [her]44-summer . [We]1063-we are n’t related by blood , but [I]0-i ’d trusted [Summer]44-summer on sight . Just like [I]0-i ’d been attracted to [Saint]47-saint right away . And see where that got [me]0-i ? [I]0-i force [my]0-i lips to curve into a smile . Then lean into [Saint]47-saint . [He]47-saint stiffens . Then [he]47-saint brings [my]0-i fingers up to [his]47-saint lips and kisses [my]0-i knuckles . [Isla]65-isla sighs . [Amelie]62-weston ’s gaze widens . Even [Summer]44-summer ’s features relax at that . Of course , [these women]2208-these women are [[Summer]44-summer ’s friends]1065-summer ’s friends , and [she]44-summer ’s married to [Sinclair]45-sinclair , [one of the Seven and among [[Saint]47-saint ’s closest friends]1067-saint ’s closest friends]1066-one of the seven and among saint ’s closest friends . Clearly , [they]2208-these women would believe [him]47-saint . [They]2208-these women have no reason to doubt [his]47-saint tactics . [I]0-i have [no one]2059-no one here on [my]0-i side . It is [me]0-i against all of [them]2208-these women . [Me]0-i and [my]0-i wits . [We]1069-we are well - acquainted with this situation . [I]0-i turn forward as [Saint]47-saint comes to a stop . [He]47-saint releases [my]0-i hand . The doors to [the room]319-the room open behind [us]1069-we . [I]0-i hear whispers , then footsteps sound . [Amelie]62-weston appears next to [me]0-i holding a posy of flowers . [She]1071-she thrusts it at [me]0-i , and [I]0-i take it . " How ? "[1071-she] [She]1071-she smiles , " [Saint]47-saint messaged [me]1071-she to get [them]2635-them from [the flower shop in [the lobby]2637-the lobby]2636-the flower shop in the lobby . "[1071-she] " [He]47-saint did ? "[1071-she] [I]0-i glance at the bouquet of delicate blood red lilies . Is that why [he]47-saint 'd asked [me]0-i what [my]0-i favorite flower was ? [My]0-i head whirls . This makes no sense . Though it 's a relief to have something in [my]0-i hands to hold onto , instead of wringing them in front of [me]0-i . Silence descends on [the crowd]534-the crowd . [Edward]74-edward looks between [us]1073-you . " In what is becoming a practice for quick weddings among [the Seven]55-the seven , [I]74-edward am pleased to welcome all of [you]1073-you here today to celebrate the union of [Saint Jordan Killian Caldwell]47-saint with [Victoria]108-victoria . "[74-edward] Behind [me]0-i , [I]0-i hear the sound of whispering , a small commotion . [Edward]74-edward looks over [our]1073-you heads , " Late but [you]1073-you 're in time … [Jace]68-jace and [Sienna]67-sienna . "[74-edward] " Sorry , [Father]99-father[We]1073-you rushed over as soon as [we]1073-you heard . "[68-jace] [Jace]68-jace grins . " [You]1073-you ’re forgiven , considering … ”[68-jace] [Edward]74-edward nods at someone [I]0-i ca n’t see . " [We]1073-you ’re here now , "[67-sienna] [Sienna]67-sienna ’s voice interrupts . " Did n’t mean to steal the attention from [the bride]2638-the bride . "[67-sienna] [I]0-i glance sideways in time to see [Sienna]67-sienna walk up to take [her]67-sienna place in one of the chairs . [She]67-sienna places one hand on [her]67-sienna belly , waves at [me]0-i . " [I]67-sienna ’m sorry , "[67-sienna] [she]67-sienna mouths . [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . [My]0-i gaze slips back to [her]67-sienna belly . [I]0-i ca n’t stop a smile from curving [my]0-i features . How would it be to be pregnant ? To swell with [a child]325-a child ? [[Saint]47-saint ’s child]1075-saint ’s child . [A girl with [his]47-saint dark hair and blue eyes]1076-a girl with his dark hair and blue eyes , that nervous energy coiled in [her]67-sienna as [she]67-sienna beams at [boys]2342-boys and reduces [them]2342-boys to mush . [Jace]68-jace dips [his]47-saint head and places [his]47-saint hand over [Sienna]67-sienna ’s . [He]47-saint kisses [her]67-sienna forehead . [They]1078-they smile at [each other]2117-each other in that secret way [couples who love [each other]2117-each other]1080-couples who love each other have . Something that [I]0-i wo n’t . Tears prick the backs of [my]0-i eyes again . [Jesus]98-jesus , the hell is wrong with [me]0-i ? More waterworks . Must be the prospect of getting married for the first time that is doing [me]0-i in . It seems … to mean something . Despite the fact that it is meant to be a sham ; standing next to [Saint]47-saint , facing [the minister]1082-the minister , seems to signify a start . A change of circumstances . Something important . [Saint]47-saint shifts next to [me]0-i . Heat from [his]47-saint body flows around [me]0-i , warms [my]0-i chilled skin . Goosebumps flare on [my]0-i arms . [Edward]74-edward turns to [Saint]47-saint , " Do [you]47-saint , [Saint Jordan Killian Caldwell]47-saint take [Victoria]108-victoria … "[74-edward] [He]74-edward turns to [me]0-i . " Just [Victoria]108-victoria , "[0-i] [I]0-i mumble . " Take Just [Victoria]108-victoria , "[0-i] [Edward]74-edward smiles , " to be [[your]47-saint lawfully - wedded wife]2639-your lawfully - wedded wife ? "[74-edward] Behind [me]0-i , a chuckle runs through [the crowd]534-the crowd . This is happening , really happening . [I]0-i swallow hard . [My]0-i palms begin to sweat and the bouquet slips from [my]0-i hands . [Saint]47-saint swoops down so fast , [I]0-i blink . [He]47-saint straightens , holding the bouquet , then turns and shoves it at [Damian]50-damian , who takes it from [him]47-saint . [He]47-saint glances past [Damian]50-damian , who 's lips curve in a genuine smile . [Saint]47-saint makes a noise in [his]47-saint throat . A warning ? Nah , it ca n’t be . [He]47-saint has no reason to be jealous anyway . When [Saint]47-saint is in [the room]319-the room , [everyone else]2242-everyone else recedes into the background . " [Saint]47-saint ? "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward prompts . [Saint]47-saint squares [his]47-saint shoulders . [I]0-i hear [him]47-saint take in a breath . Huh . Is [he]47-saint as nervous as [I]0-i am ? [I]0-i peek a glance at [his]47-saint profile — patrician nose , square jaw , the hint of a cleft in [his]47-saint chin . [His]47-saint mouth tightens . [His]47-saint jaw tics … [He]47-saint is feeling something , all right . Perhaps this entire situation is as strange for [him]47-saint as it is for [me]0-i ? Of course , [he]47-saint ’s [the one who proposed it]1086-the one who proposed it , so why does [he]47-saint seem so unsure ? [He]47-saint shuffles [his]47-saint feet and [his]47-saint shoulders flex . " [Saint]47-saint ? "[47-saint] [Edward]74-edward asks , [his]74-edward brow furrowed . " Ask [me]74-edward again , "[74-edward] [he]74-edward growls . [Edward]74-edward wipes all expression from [his]74-edward face . " Do [you]47-saint , [Saint Jordan Killian Caldwell]47-saint take [Victoria]108-victoria to be [[your]47-saint lawfully wedded wife]2640-your lawfully wedded wife , to have and to hold , to cherish and protect , ’ til death do [you]47-saint part ? "[74-edward] [Saint]47-saint ’s throat moves as [his]47-saint swallows . The skin of [his]47-saint knuckles is stretched tight . He’s ... under pressure , all right . Nervous energy emanates from [him]47-saint . The force of [his]47-saint dominance pins [me]0-i in place ; it ’s mixed with something else — anger , frustration , the usual edginess , but multiplied . [He]47-saint rakes [his]47-saint fingers through [his]47-saint hair . It ’s the first time [I]0-i ’ve seen [Saint]47-saint uncertain … unsure . [My]0-i heart twists . A hot sensation stabs at [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i reach over and run [my]0-i finger over the back of [his]47-saint palm . [He]47-saint stiffens . Then catches [my]0-i hand , threads [his]47-saint fingers with [mine]0-i . A murmur runs through [[his]47-saint friends]925-his friends . [Edward]74-edward shoots [them]925-his friends a glance . It dies down . [Saint]47-saint straightens , grips [my]0-i hand . [He]47-saint stares ahead . " [I]47-saint do . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint voice is hard , confident . [I]0-i swallow . If [I]0-i closed [my]0-i eyes and focused on [his]47-saint voice , [I]0-i ’d think [he]47-saint means it . If [I]0-i bring [my]0-i attention to where [we]1088-we are joined ... Where [his]47-saint hand encloses [mine]0-i , where [he]47-saint holds [my]0-i hand firmly , [his]47-saint much bigger palm engulfing [mine]0-i , [I]0-i will have no doubt that [he]47-saint means every word of [his]47-saint promise . [I]0-i swallow . Heat flushes [my]0-i skin . The blood thuds at [my]0-i temples , [my]0-i pulse pounding . This … this is so right … That surely , it is all wrong . This , whatever is between [us]1088-we , can not survive . There is no space for it . [We]1088-we are [two people]1089-two people colliding at [the wrong place]1090-the wrong place , wrong time … Nothing good can come of this … Unless [I]0-i find a way to make this right . [I]0-i have to hold on to the time [I]0-i ’ve been given with [him]47-saint , show [him]47-saint the real [me]0-i . Love [him]47-saint , open [myself]0-i up to [him]47-saint , and hope and pray that when [I]0-i leave , [he]47-saint will not hate [me]0-i . That [he]47-saint ’ll realize [I]0-i had no choice but to do what [I]0-i did . [I]0-i draw in a breath , focus on [Edward]74-edward ’s words . " Do [you]74-edward [Victoria]108-victoria take [Saint Jordan Killian Caldwell]47-saint , to be [[your]74-edward lawfully wedded husband]2641-your lawfully wedded husband , to have and to hold , in sickness and in health , ‘ til death do [you]74-edward part ? "[74-edward] " [I]74-edward do . "[74-edward] As soon as the words are out of [my]0-i mouth , [I]0-i know that [I]0-i mean it . Something inside of [me]0-i seems to settle . A calmness washes over [me]0-i . It ’s as if [my]0-i entire life , [I]0-i ’ve been headed in this direction . Everything [I]0-i ’ve done and experienced , all of it has brought [me]0-i here , to stand next to [Saint]47-saint , holding [his]47-saint hand in [mine]0-i as [he]47-saint turns to face [me]0-i . " [I]47-saint suppose it was too much of a rush to get rings so — "[47-saint] " [I]47-saint have a ring , "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint replies . " What ? "[47-saint] [I]0-i open and close [my]0-i mouth . A murmur runs through [the assembled group]1091-the assembled group . " [You]0-i do ? "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward frowns , then jerks [his]74-edward chin , " Okay , then . "[74-edward] [Saint]47-saint pats [his]47-saint breast pocket , [his]47-saint forehead crinkling . " Uh , maybe [I]47-saint forgot it … "[47-saint] " [Saint]47-saint ! "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward admonishes [him]47-saint . [He]47-saint releases [my]0-i hand to feel [his]47-saint left pocket . " Oh , shit , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint grimaces . " [I]47-saint ca n’t believe [I]47-saint left it behind . "[47-saint] " Come on , [Saint]47-saint , "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad calls out . " Get with the program , [you]47-saint tosser , "[75-arpad] [Damian]50-damian smirks . " [You]47-saint losing [your]47-saint touch , [old sport]2642-old sport ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston chuckles . [Edward]74-edward holds [his]74-edward forefinger and thumb to [his]74-edward lips and blows . A piercing whistle echoes through the space . [The group]760-the group settles . " Right , now that [[you]47-saint grownups , who prefer to behave like [children]2511-children]2643-you grownups , who prefer to behave like children , have settled down … "[74-edward] [He]74-edward trains a stern gaze on [Saint]47-saint . " Stop dicking around , will [you]47-saint ? "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward scolds [him]47-saint . [Laugher]114-laugher breaks out from [the crowd]534-the crowd . [Saint]47-saint pats the right - hand pocket of [his]47-saint slacks , pulls out a ring . " Here it is . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint reaches for [my]0-i left hand , slips it on [my]0-i ring finger . An emerald , set in a simple platinum setting , gleams in the light from above . " It belonged to [[my]47-saint mother]856-my mother , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint says . [I]0-i shoot [him]47-saint a surprised glance . " Do n’t read anything into it . "[0-i] [His]47-saint features harden , " It happened to be at hand . "[47-saint] Right . " [You]0-i may kiss [the bride]2638-the bride , "[47-saint] [Edward]74-edward grins at [us]1094-us . " No , wait — "[74-edward] [I]0-i begin to protest , but [Saint]47-saint hauls [me]0-i close , bends [me]0-i at the waist , then [he]47-saint kisses [me]0-i . It ’s not hard , not punishing , nothing like [his]47-saint previous kisses . [He]47-saint nibbles on [my]0-i lower lip , and when [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth , [he]47-saint licks [his]47-saint tongue across [my]0-i upper lip , tracing the curve of [my]0-i cupid ’s bow . [He]47-saint wraps one arm around [my]0-i shoulders , curls the other around [my]0-i waist . [He]47-saint pulls [me]0-i so close that [his]47-saint warmth surrounds [me]0-i , [his]47-saint body shields [me]0-i , and [his]47-saint shoulder blocks out the sight of everything else . [I]0-i close [my]0-i eyes , sink into the warm , trembling , buttery sensations that melt [my]0-i insides . [My]0-i toes curl and [my]0-i scalp tingles . All the pores on [my]0-i body pop . [He]47-saint tilts [his]47-saint head , deepens the kiss , tangles [his]47-saint tongue with [mine]0-i . [His]47-saint taste is enticing , with that dark edge that calls to [me]0-i , pulls [me]0-i in , tugs [me]0-i in , shudders down [my]0-i spine , coils in the pit of [my]0-i belly , slides warmth between [my]0-i thighs . Liquid heat bleeds through [my]0-i veins , turning [me]0-i into a mass of quivering , burning , aching goo . An aching hollowness that wants , needs , demands — [He]47-saint breaks the kiss . [I]0-i open [my]0-i eyes , gaze into those burning cerulean depths of [his]47-saint . [His]47-saint features wear an expression of shock … surprise … lust … [His]47-saint nostrils flare . [His]47-saint gaze drops to [my]0-i mouth . " [Gigi]53-gigi , [I]47-saint — "[47-saint] A burst of applause rings out . [I]0-i shudder . [He]47-saint firms [his]47-saint lips . A nerve throbs at [his]47-saint temple . [He]47-saint straightens , pulling [me]0-i up with [him]47-saint . The clapping intensifies . [He]47-saint smiles down at [me]0-i . The expression on [his]47-saint face is open , carefree . So damn happy . In that second , [he]47-saint ’s [a man]175-a man , [I]0-i ’m [a woman]297-a woman . [We]1097-us have [our]1097-us lives together in front of [us]1097-us . United . Never alone . [I]0-i have [him]47-saint . [He]47-saint is [mine]0-i . For now . For this second . [My]0-i lips curve . [His]47-saint smile widens , white teeth sparkling against [his]47-saint tanned skin . [He]47-saint winds [his]47-saint arm around [my]0-i waist , pulls [me]0-i into [his]47-saint side as [he]47-saint turns . " [Bravo]115-bravo . "[47-saint] " Beautiful . "[47-saint] " Congratulations . "[47-saint] " Well done ! "[47-saint] Confetti rains down on [us]1097-us . [I]0-i blink , " Oh . "[0-i] " Surprised ? "[47-saint] [he]47-saint whispers . " [I]47-saint was n’t expecting … "[47-saint] What ? Nothing . Anything . [I]0-i try to find the words to explain , but [my]0-i brain cells have all turned to mush . " [I]0-i[I]0-i do n’t know what to say . "[0-i] " Enjoy it . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint brings [me]0-i in closer , and [I]0-i ca n't stop [myself]0-i from melting into [his]47-saint side . " Today is [your]0-i day , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint flattens [his]47-saint big hand over [my]0-i hip . [His]47-saint grasp is warm , possessive . When [he]47-saint 's like this ... [I]0-i can almost believe [he]47-saint means the tender words [he]47-saint 's just said . " [You]47-saint ... [you]47-saint confuse [me]47-saint , [Saint]47-saint . "[47-saint] [I]0-i turn to [him]47-saint . " One moment , [you]47-saint 're [the most heartless bastard [I]0-i ’ve ever met]2647-the most heartless bastard i ’ve ever met ... The next ... "[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " The next ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint prompts . " [You]47-saint seem human , almost vulnerable . "[47-saint] [I]0-i search [his]47-saint features . " [I]0-i think [you]47-saint hate [yourself]47-saint for not being able to conceal [your]47-saint feelings from [me]0-i . "[0-i] " Do [you]47-saint ? "[47-saint] [His]47-saint gaze falters ... Those blue eyes lighten , and for an instant [I]0-i am sure [I]0-i can see right through that façade [he]47-saint loves to wear like armor . " [You]47-saint do n't fool [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i declare . " Good . "[0-i] [His]47-saint lips curve in a smile that 's genuine , and predatory , and so ... [Saint]47-saint . Filled with secrets , as if [he]47-saint senses what [I]0-i am thinking , as if [he]47-saint knows what [I]0-i want before [I]0-i do ... As if [he]47-saint can anticipate [my]0-i every move before [I]0-i make it . " That will make the upcoming days more of a challenge . "[47-saint] " What ? "[0-i] [I]0-i squint up at [him]47-saint . " Enjoy it , [dear wife]2648-dear wife , "[47-saint] [his]47-saint features harden , " for things are about to change . "[47-saint] [I]0-i stiffen , peer into [his]47-saint face . [He]47-saint ’s wearing the same smile ... But already , that hint of sensitivity that [I]0-i 'd spotted is gone . [He]47-saint jerks [his]47-saint chin , nods toward [[his]47-saint friends]925-his friends , [his]47-saint expression still open , [his]47-saint handsome profile every bit as gorgeous , as genuine as [he]47-saint ’d seemed a moment ago . But [his]47-saint eyes ... Those blue eyes are dark ... almost black . Was everything [he]47-saint 'd done today an act ? Had [he]47-saint been leading [me]0-i on ? And [I]0-i 'd wanted to believe [him]47-saint . For a few minutes there , [I]0-i had dared to hope . [His]47-saint lips curl . [He]47-saint ’d taken [me]0-i to the edge , pretended to care , then [he]47-saint ’d pushed [me]0-i over and watched [me]0-i fall . " [[You]47-saint bastard]2101-you bastard , "[47-saint] [I]0-i try to pull away . [His]47-saint hand around [my]0-i waist is solid though . [He]47-saint keeps [me]0-i pinned to [his]47-saint side . [He]47-saint lowers [his]47-saint chin , nuzzles [my]0-i temple , " Keep that smile , [Gigi]53-gigi . [You]0-i do n’t want [them]2650-them to know that something is wrong , do [you]0-i ? "[47-saint] [I]0-i swallow . " Do [you]0-i , [pet]2460-pet ? "[47-saint] " No … No . "[47-saint] " Good . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint kisses [my]0-i temple , [his]47-saint breath hot like [a lover]2063-a lover ’s touch , " Store up the happy memories , for soon [you]0-i ’ll wish that [you]0-i never set eyes on [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] " Newsflash , [asshole]2374-asshole , "[0-i] [I]0-i keep the smile plastered to [my]0-i face , " [I]0-i already wish [I]0-i ’d never met [you]47-saint , that [I]0-i had never agreed to come to [England]22-england , that [I]0-i ’d never posed as [[Adam]43-adam ’s wife]2653-adam ’s wife , that — "[0-i] [I]0-i stop to take a breath . [He]47-saint grins down at [me]0-i , " Go on , do n’t let [me]47-saint stop [you]0-i . "[47-saint] [I]0-i grit [my]0-i teeth , hold [his]47-saint burning gaze . How had [I]0-i thought there was passion in [his]47-saint eyes ? It ’s a need to get even . To get revenge . That ’s all this is about . Retribution . [I]0-i am a pawn caught between [two opposing forces]1100-two opposing forces , and by the time this charade is over , there may be nothing left of [me]0-i — nothing but this burning need to avenge [myself]0-i . With [Saint]47-saint . With [the Mafia]314-the mafia . With [Antonio]87-antonio … With [everyone who has taken advantage of [me]0-i]1102-everyone who has taken advantage of me . [I]0-i ’ve had enough of being backed into a corner , of being underestimated . [I]0-i am going to make sure [this brute]1103-this brute realizes it too , by the time [I]0-i am done . [I]0-i direct [my]0-i next words at [him]47-saint with deadly intent , " [I]0-i wish that [I]0-i had asked [someone else]2191-someone else to be [[my]0-i Dom]2553-my dom . "[0-i] [His]47-saint gaze sharpens and [his]47-saint fingers dig into the curve of [my]0-i hip . " [You]0-i dare say that to [my]47-saint face ? "[47-saint] [His]47-saint nostrils flare . Color sears [his]47-saint cheeks , and damn it , but [my]0-i sex clenches instantly . Goosebumps flare on [my]0-i skin and a shiver runs down [my]0-i back . This ... this is what [I]0-i want . [Saint]47-saint — angry , blinded with jealousy , coming for [me]0-i , taking [me]0-i with no quarter . This language [I]0-i understand . This passion is what [we]1104-we have in common and [I]0-i am going to make the most of it . " Why , worried [you]47-saint wo n’t measure up to [Adam Rhodes]43-adam ? ’ A vein pops at [his]47-saint temple . "[47-saint] [You]47-saint know how to push [me]0-i over the edge , do n’t [you]47-saint ? " "[47-saint] Maybe [I]0-i should have asked [one of [[your]47-saint friends]1106-your friends]1105-one of your friends . " [I]1105-one of your friends glance past [him]47-saint to where [Damian]50-damian is watching [us]1104-we . [He]50-damian raises the bouquet of flowers . [I]1105-one of your friends smile , shake [my]1105-one of your friends head , "[1105-one of your friends] Yeah , who better than [a rock star god]1107-a rock star god to take [my]0-i virgin ass ? " "[0-i] [You]0-i cunt , " [he]47-saint bares [his]47-saint teeth , and a little thrill shudders down [my]0-i spine . This is it . [I]0-i ’ve done it now . [I]0-i ’ve broken through [his]47-saint control . What is [he]47-saint going to do next ? [Saint]47-saint does n’t disappoint . [He]47-saint bends [his]47-saint knees , peers into [my]0-i eyes , "[0-i] [I]0-i think it ’s time [we]1108-we consummated this marriage , do n’t [you]0-i ? "[0-i]

27

[Saint]47-saint

" Turn around and hug the post . "[1109-her] [She]1109-her tips up [her]1109-her head and glares at [me]0-i . [I]0-i 'd rushed [her]1109-her up here to [[my]0-i suite]843-my suite in [the penthouse of [the hotel]312-the hotel]1111-the penthouse of the hotel , without bothering to say goodbye to [[my]0-i friends]2056-my friends . If [they]2056-my friends thought [I]0-i was in a hurry to get [her]1109-her alone in [a room]652-a room , well , that ’s too bad . [I]0-i do n't give a fuck what kind of impression [I]0-i left behind . All that matters is getting [her]1109-her to obey . To bend [her]1109-her to [my]0-i will , to lean [her]1109-her over the bed and teach [her]1109-her a lesson . But first — " Do it , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl from [my]0-i position near the doorway . [She]1109-her hesitates , twists [her]1109-her fingers . The emerald of [her]1109-her ring catches the light from above and sparkles . Fucking hell . [I]0-i ’d given [her]1109-her the ring that had belonged to [[my]0-i mother]856-my mother . The one [she]856-my mother had given to [me]0-i before [she]856-my mother 'd left [me]0-i and [[my]0-i father]498-my father . [I]0-i ’d held onto it , the last reminder of [the only parent who had loved [me]0-i]1117-the only parent who had loved me . Why had [I]0-i given it to [her]1109-her ? Why had [I]0-i carried it around with [me]0-i since [I]0-i ’d met [her]1109-her ? Had [I]0-i subconsciously known that the occasion would present itself , and had wanted to be prepared ? No matter . It is done . No going back now . Not that it means anything , of course . An empty gesture . It had been the most convenient solution to send a message to [the Mafia]314-the mafia that this is serious . [They]314-the mafia ’ll believe [I]0-i ’ve swallowed [their]314-the mafia bait . [They]314-the mafia ’ll see [me]0-i as a sitting patsy , ready to be reeled in by [them]314-the mafia . Really , it ’s a way to lure [them]314-the mafia into reveal [their]314-the mafia next hand … Meanwhile [I]0-i have more pressing matters . Namely , [a wife who insists on baiting [me]0-i , throwing [her]1109-her past in [my]0-i face]1119-a wife who insists on baiting me , throwing her past in my face , daring [me]0-i to do the one thing [I]0-i swore [I]0-i wouldn’t — fuck [her]1109-her like [I]0-i mean it . Do [I]0-i want to go through with it ? Am [I]0-i so taken in by [her]1109-her that [I]0-i ’ll throw all caution to the wind and transform this into a real wedding night ? [She]1109-her draws [herself]1109-her up to [her]1109-her full height . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin in the direction of the massive four - poster bed . The best money can buy , of course . [I]0-i had it flown in from [Russia]26-russia . It belonged to [some fucking Czar]1120-some fucking czar or the other … The fuck [I]0-i care ? [I]0-i ’d seen it at [Christie ’s]27-christie ’s and wanted it . The only piece of furniture in [the entire suite]1121-the entire suite that [I]0-i had chosen . All with an eye for [my]0-i relaxation , of course . [I]0-i smirk . The pillars are made of solid oak and wide enough for the purpose [I]0-i have in mind . [I]0-i had n't meant to sleep with [her]1109-her tonight , but [she]1109-her had eviscerated [my]0-i carefully calculated control , something [she]1109-her is surprisingly skilled at doing . Too bad . [She]1109-her 'll have to cope with the fall - out . [She]1109-her is going to need all that gutsiness [she]1109-her 's shown so far to get [her]1109-her through the night . " Do n’t keep [me]0-i waiting , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . [She]1109-her pales , then marches across [the room]319-the room to the closest post . " Lean in , [Gigi]53-gigi . Wrap [your]53-gigi arms around it . "[1109-her] [She]1109-her does . [I]0-i approach [her]1109-her and [she]1109-her stiffens . [I]0-i press [my]0-i palm into the small of [her]1109-her back and [her]1109-her entire body trembles . [I]0-i apply enough pressure for [her]1109-her breasts to flatten against the surface of the post . " Stay there , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]1109-her stands motionless . [I]0-i step toward [the walk - in closet]1123-the walk - in closet , choose a couple of ties , then turn and stalk toward [her]1109-her . " What are [you]1109-her doing ? "[1109-her] [She]1109-her half turns . " Do n’t , "[0-i] [I]0-i command . [She]1109-her pauses , then faces forward . [I]0-i cup the back of [her]1109-her head , turn [her]1109-her face , until [her]1109-her cheek is pressed into the wood . " Like that . Do n’t want to hurt [you]1109-her now , do [we]2656-we ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i ’re concerned about [me]0-i ? "[0-i] " Only because [you]0-i ’re [[my]0-i property]1013-my property . [You]0-i serve a purpose . "[0-i] " And what ’s that ? "[0-i] " Have n’t [you]0-i figured it out , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[0-i] [I]0-i reach over [her]1109-her , twist one tie around [her]1109-her wrists . [She]1109-her stiffens . " Why are [you]0-i — ? "[1109-her] " No questions , "[0-i] [I]0-i snap . [She]1109-her purses [her]1109-her lips together , gazes up at [me]0-i as [I]0-i test the knots . Good . There ’s enough leverage for [her]1109-her to move [her]1109-her wrists , so the blood circulation will not get cut off . At the same time , it ’s secure enough that [she]1109-her ca n’t escape . [I]0-i step back , then twist the other around [her]1109-her eyes . " No , [Saint]47-saint — "[0-i] " Any more talking and [I]1109-her ’ll stuff [your]1109-her panties in [your]1109-her mouth . "[1109-her] [She]1109-her wheezes . " B … but . "[1109-her] " Take what ’s coming to [you]1109-her . Do n’t [you]1109-her want to show [me]0-i how good a submissive [you]1109-her can be ? "[0-i] " [You]1109-her ’re supposed to be taking care of [my]0-i needs , [[you]1109-her asshole]556-you asshole . "[0-i] [I]0-i slap [her]1109-her butt . " What the fuck — ? "[1109-her] [she]1109-her howls . " Language [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1109-her] " What ? "[0-i] " If [you]53-gigi want to curse , [I]1109-her prefer alphahole , [I]1109-her ’ve told [you]53-gigi that . [I]1109-her wo n’t repeat [myself]1109-her again . And taking care of [your]53-gigi desires is exactly what [I]1109-her ’m doing . ”[1109-her] " Not , "[1109-her] [she]1109-her huffs . " Do n’t mock it ‘ til [you]53-gigi try it , [darling]2102-darling . "[1109-her] [She]1109-her firms [her]1109-her lips . [I]0-i step back , then survey [my]0-i handiwork . [Her]1109-her back is stiff , [her]1109-her shoulders straight . Good . [I]0-i want [her]1109-her to fight this . Need [her]1109-her to resist this . Hope [she]1109-her understands that this is the only way . For [her]1109-her ? For [me]0-i ? Of course , [I]0-i am being selfish . [I]0-i get off on [her]1109-her pain , on how [I]0-i ’ll feel when [I]0-i have [her]1109-her broken and begging and trusting only [me]0-i to take care of [her]1109-her needs . That there is no going back now . [I]0-i am [her]1109-her salvation . [Her]1109-her only hope . [She]1109-her has to give up [her]1109-her secrets to [me]0-i , has to tell [me]0-i why [she]1109-her is here . That is the only way for [me]0-i to accept [her]1109-her … And [I]0-i want that . [I]0-i drag [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . More than anything else . Turning , [I]0-i march to the desk by the window , rummage around in the drawer , until [I]0-i find what [I]0-i am looking for . Clasping the pair of scissors , [I]0-i walk back to stand behind [her]1109-her . " Wha … what are [you]0-i going to do ? "[0-i] " Shh , "[0-i] [I]0-i lean forward and lick [her]1109-her lips . " Trust [me]0-i . "[0-i] " Why … why are [you]0-i saying that ? "[1109-her] [She]1109-her swallows . " [You]0-i ’ll see . "[1109-her] [I]0-i squat down , then take the scissors to the hem of [her]1109-her dress . [I]0-i drag the blades upward , cutting through the fabric . [I]0-i straighten , snipping away at the cloth and it parts all the way to the neckline . A final snip and the dress parts . " If this is some warped way of punishing [me]0-i — "[0-i] [I]0-i laugh . " Punishing ? [I]1109-her have n’t even started , [[my]1109-her lovely wife]2660-my lovely wife . "[1109-her] [She]1109-her swallows . " Don’t … don’t call [me]1109-her that . "[1109-her] " Why not ? "[0-i] [I]0-i switch the scissors to [my]0-i other hand , then drag [my]0-i knuckles across [her]1109-her ring . [Her]1109-her fingers tremble . " [We]2661-we were just married . "[1109-her] " [I]0-i was there , [you]0-i[you]0-i brute . "[0-i] " Finally , [your]1109-her vocabulary is expanding . "[0-i] [I]0-i step back , then cut through the sleeves . The dress pools around [her]1109-her feet . Another snip , and [her]1109-her bra drops off . [I]0-i return the scissors to the drawer , then turn back to [her]1109-her . The long slender column of [her]1109-her back meets the flare of [her]1109-her hips . [Her]1109-her long , toned legs end in those fuck - [me]0-i stilettos [she]1109-her so favors . [I]0-i move closer . " The first time [I]0-i saw [you]1109-her , [I]0-i swore [I]0-i ’d have [you]1109-her naked and begging for [my]0-i touch . "[0-i] " Fuck [you]1109-her . "[0-i] " [You]1109-her bet , but first — "[0-i] [I]0-i reach down , tear off [her]1109-her panties . [She]1109-her screams . [Her]1109-her entire body curves . [Her]1109-her butt trembles . [Her]1109-her thigh muscles coil . [I]0-i kick [her]1109-her legs apart and [she]1109-her wheezes , " Untie [me]1109-her , [[you]0-i scoundrel]2662-you scoundrel . "[1109-her] [I]0-i chuckle , " If those are the extent of [your]1109-her insults , [I]0-i fear there ’s much [I]0-i have to teach [you]1109-her . "[0-i] " [Bastard]208-bastard . "[0-i] " Technically , [I]0-i am not . Though [[my]0-i father]498-my father would have wished otherwise . "[0-i] " [I]0-i do n’t want to hear [your]1109-her sob story . "[0-i] " But [I]0-i want [your]1109-her sobs , [little Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [I]0-i drop to [my]0-i haunches in between [her]1109-her parted thighs , lower [my]0-i head and swipe [my]0-i tongue up between [her]1109-her pussy lips . [She]1109-her cries out . [My]0-i breath catches , " Fuck , [you]1109-her ’re soaking . "[0-i] " [I]0-i … it ’s a mistake . "[0-i] " Tell that to [your]1109-her body . [You]1109-her want [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi . [You]1109-her know how that makes [me]0-i feel ? "[0-i] [I]0-i wrap [my]0-i fingers around [her]1109-her thighs , then thrust [my]0-i tongue inside [her]1109-her soaking channel . " Oh , [my]1109-her god , "[1109-her] [she]1109-her moans . [My]0-i dick lengthens . [My]0-i groin hardens . [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i face , then thrust [my]0-i tongue inside [her]1109-her cunt again and again . [I]0-i lick up [her]1109-her pussy juice , swipe [my]0-i tongue all the way up into the valley between [her]1109-her arsecheeks . [I]0-i curl [my]0-i tongue inside [her]1109-her puckered hole and [she]1109-her whines . " Oh , [Saint]47-saint , please … "[1109-her] " Like that , [Gigi]53-gigi , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter against the most forbidden part of [her]1109-her . " Tell [me]0-i what [you]1109-her want . "[0-i] " [You]0-i … "[1109-her] [she]1109-her gasps . " [I]1109-her want [you]1109-her … "[1109-her] [I]0-i rise to [my]0-i feet , unzip [my]0-i pants ; shove [my]0-i hand down [my]0-i boxers and take out [my]0-i cock . [My]0-i blood throbs at [my]0-i temples , in [my]0-i balls . " Where ... "[0-i] [I]0-i clear [my]0-i throat , " where do [you]1109-her want [me]0-i ? "[0-i] [She]1109-her bites on [her]1109-her lower lip . " Where [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[1109-her] " [I]1109-her[I]1109-her .. "[1109-her] [she]1109-her stutters . [My]0-i vision tunnels . [I]0-i swipe [my]0-i throbbing cock across [the valley between [her]1109-her arsecheeks]1124-the valley between her arsecheeks . [She]1109-her shudders . " Do [you]0-i want [me]1109-her here ? "[1109-her] [She]1109-her nods . " Say it aloud . "[1109-her] " Take [me]1109-her , [Saint]47-saint . Please . "[1109-her] Thank Fuck . [I]0-i draw back , then insert [my]0-i thumb inside [her]1109-her puckered hole . [She]1109-her groans . [I]0-i ease [my]0-i finger inside . [She]1109-her bangs [her]1109-her forehead against the pillar . With [my]0-i remaining fingers [I]0-i scoop up some more of the moisture from [her]1109-her pussy , then add a finger to [my]0-i thumb . " Oh . "[1109-her] [Her]1109-her shoulders hunch . " It ’s … it ’s … "[1109-her] What ? " "[1109-her] Different , " [she]1109-her huffs . "[1109-her] No shit . " [I]0-i set [my]0-i jaw , "[0-i] [I]0-i am going to ensure [you]1109-her never forget [our]1125-our first time . " [I]0-i dip [my]0-i other palm between [her]1109-her thighs . [I]0-i cup [her]1109-her pussy , shove three fingers inside [her]1109-her soaking channel , and [her]1109-her entire body bucks . [She]1109-her throws [her]1109-her head back , [her]1109-her hair rippling about [her]1109-her shoulders . "[0-i] Ohmigod , " [she]1109-her gasps . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint[I]0-i[I]0-i" A trembling sweeps up [her]1109-her legs . [Her]1109-her breathing goes shallow . A whine spills from [her]1109-her lips . "[0-i] I’m … going to come — " [she]1109-her gasps . The doorbell sounds and [I]0-i pull out [my]0-i fingers . "[0-i] No ! " [Her]1109-her body jerks as if [she]1109-her ’s unable to stop [herself]1109-her . [She]1109-her whips [her]1109-her head in [my]0-i direction . "[0-i] Do n’t [you]47-saint dare leave [me]0-i" The bell sounds again . "[47-saint] Sorry , [sweetheart]2238-sweetheart , no choice . " [I]47-saint take a step back , lose [my]47-saint footing and stumble . Shit . [I]47-saint ’m as off balance as [she]1109-her is . Truth be told … If the doorbell had n't rung — as [I]47-saint ’d planned for it to — [I’d]47-saint have taken [her]1109-her right then , in the arse , then proceeded to tear into [her]1109-her pussy too . Good thing [I]47-saint do n’t trust [myself]47-saint around [her]1109-her anymore . Since when have [I]47-saint needed checks and balances around [another person]2665-another person , huh ? Since [I]47-saint met [her]1109-her . Since [she]1109-her ’d flipped the entire situation by proposing the one thing [I]47-saint ’ve wanted more than anything — to take [her]1109-her as [mine]47-saint , to make [her]1109-her submit , to bend [her]1109-her will to mine , have [her]1109-her shatter around [me]47-saint . Fuck . [I]47-saint drag [my]47-saint fingers through [my]47-saint hair . Who is breaking whom here ? [I]47-saint ’m no longer sure . The bell rings again . [She]1109-her straightens , "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint … ? " [I]47-saint do n’t reply . [I]47-saint pivot on [my]47-saint heels , push [my]47-saint dick back into [my]47-saint pants as [I]47-saint walk out of [the bedroom]2666-the bedroom , past [the living room]2667-the living room , and wrench the door open . [A room service attendant]2668-a room service attendant straightens . [Her]1109-her face pales . On the cart in front of [her]1109-her is a bottle of Champagne , a bowl of strawberries , and a variety of cheeses and dips . "[47-saint] Should [I]0-i wheel this in ? " [Her]1109-her voice trembles . "[0-i] No , " [I]0-i growl . "[0-i] Ah … compliments of the — " "[47-saint] Leave , " [I]47-saint pull [the cart]2669-the cart into [the room]319-the room . "[47-saint] [The staff]2624-the staff and [the management]1128-the management wish [you]0-i" "[47-saint] Fuck off — " "[47-saint] But … [Damian]50-damian wanted [me]0-i to tell [you]0-i" [I]50-damian glower at [her]1109-her . [She]1109-her pales , opens [her]1109-her mouth again . "[50-damian] The fuck ? " [I]50-damian jerk [my]50-damian chin over [her]1109-her head . "[50-damian] [You]0-i tell [that motherfucker]1129-that motherfucker to stay away from [me]0-i and [[my]0-i wife]851-my wife and one more thing — " "[1129-that motherfucker] Wh … what ? " Sweat beads [her]1109-her upper lip . Good god , is n’t there [anyone who can talk to [me]1129-that motherfucker without looking like [they]2671-anyone who can talk to me without looking like they are about to have a coronary are about to have a coronary]2671-anyone who can talk to me without looking like they are about to have a coronary ? Yeah , that ’s where [the Seven]2150-the seven come in . [Fuckers]2673-fuckers can be counted on taking [me]1129-that motherfucker down a notch at any time . And [her]1109-her , of course . [She]1109-her can go toe to toe with [me]1129-that motherfucker . [I]1129-that motherfucker frown . How dare [she]1109-her ? [She]1109-her is going to be taught a lesson , all right . "[1129-that motherfucker] Uh … [Mr. Caldwell]116-mr. caldwell , " [the waitress]1035-the waitress stutters . "[116-mr. caldwell] Make sure [I]0-i ’m not disturbed again . " [I]47-saint slam the door in [her]1109-her ashen face . Good , [no one]2059-no one should be happy today . This wedding is n’t a cause for celebration . It is … a fucking massacre . [Mine]1129-that motherfucker … and [hers]1109-her . [I]47-saint am sinking into a maelstrom of emotions , caught in a quicksand that threatens to overwhelm [me]47-saint . Soon , [I]47-saint will be in over [my]47-saint head . Only thing ? [I]47-saint am taking [her]1109-her down with [me]47-saint . [I]47-saint shove [the cart]2669-the cart into [the bedroom]2666-the bedroom . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ? " [Victoria]108-victoria gasps , "[47-saint] Who … was that ? " "[116-mr. caldwell] Not [your]116-mr. caldwell concern . " "[116-mr. caldwell] Why do [you]116-mr. caldwell sound angry ? " [she]108-victoria scowls . "[116-mr. caldwell] [I]0-i ’m not angry . " "[116-mr. caldwell] Are [you]116-mr. caldwell hungry ? " "[116-mr. caldwell] Are [you]116-mr. caldwell ? " "[116-mr. caldwell] So , [you]116-mr. caldwell ’re hungry . " [She]108-victoria nods . "[116-mr. caldwell] [I]0-i ’m not , and [I]0-i told [you]116-mr. caldwell to keep [your]116-mr. caldwell mouth shut , did n’t [I]0-i ? " "[0-i] Definitely hangry . " "[0-i] [I]0-i ’m not [a fucking child]1131-a fucking child , " [I]116-mr. caldwell scowl . "[116-mr. caldwell] [You]116-mr. caldwell ’re acting like one . " [Her]108-victoria lips curve . The glistening flesh calls to [me]47-saint . [I]47-saint could forget all this . [I]47-saint could walk over , kiss [her]108-victoria , untie [her]108-victoria , throw [her]108-victoria on the bed , climb on top of the bed and bury [my]47-saint aching cock inside [her]108-victoria soft , gorgeous , heated pussy . [I]47-saint could — "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint . " "[47-saint] What ? " [I]47-saint growl , shaking [my]47-saint head . Jesus , being this close to [her]108-victoria is doing weird things to [my]47-saint head . Maybe [she]108-victoria ’s right . Maybe [I]47-saint am hungry . Is that why [I]47-saint am feeling lightheaded ? [She]108-victoria shuffles [her]108-victoria feet , "[47-saint] Did [you]47-saint order [us]1132-us something to eat . " [I]47-saint sneer , "[47-saint] [I]0-i ordered something all right . "[0-i]

28

[Victoria

He]108-victoria prowls closer , [his]47-saint footsteps muffled by the carpet as [he]47-saint approaches . The creaking of wheels gets louder — [he]47-saint definitely ordered something . That is a food cart , is n’t it ? The clank of silverware , of plates being moved around , reaches [me]0-i . [I]0-i sense [him]47-saint shift [his]47-saint weight . There ’s silence then a pop . [I]0-i jump . " What the — ? "[0-i] " Relax , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint laughs . " Thought the occasion called for some bubbles , do n’t [you]0-i think ? "[47-saint] [I]0-i worry [my]0-i lower lip . Should [I]0-i agree ? [I]0-i swallow and [my]0-i throat protests . Cold , bubbly champagne . [I]0-i had n’t managed to nick a glass at the wedding — at [my]0-i own wedding . [I]0-i worry the ring on [my]0-i left ring finger . The weight is already familiar . Damn , that ’s not good . [I]0-i wo n’t be wearing it for much longer , after all . The sound of liquid hitting a glass reaches [me]0-i . [My]0-i tongue swells . [I]0-i lick [my]0-i lips . " Want a sip , [darlin ’]2678-darlin ’ ? "[0-i] It ’s fine . It wo n’t hurt . Besides [I]0-i could do with some Dutch courage about now . " Yes , please . "[0-i] " [You]0-i ’re forgetting something . "[0-i] Am [I]0-i ? What … Oh ! " Yes , please , [Sir]2262-sir ! "[0-i] " That ’s [[my]0-i girl]2680-my girl . "[0-i] [I]0-i flush . Shit , why does that make [me]0-i so happy ? [I]0-i ’m not going to pander to the ego of this over - the - top , tyrannical , motherfucker of [a guy who is … [[my]0-i husband]182-my husband . Bloody hell]1133-a guy who is … my husband . bloody hell . " Can [I]0-i get that champagne ? "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " Of course . "[0-i] [His]182-my husband footsteps grow closer . Something cool touches [my]0-i lips . The cold liquid fills [my]0-i mouth . Bubbles break on [my]0-i tongue . Yum . [I]0-i swallow it down , open [my]0-i mouth again . More of the bubbles flow in , overflow [my]0-i chin . Coldness hits [my]0-i chest . " Oops . "[0-i] More liquid slides down [my]0-i skin . [I]0-i shiver . " Sorry , [babe]1023-babe . "[0-i] " No , [you]182-my husband ’re not . "[0-i] [I]0-i lick the remaining liquid from [my]0-i lower lip . " Do that again and [I]0-i wo n’t be responsible for what happens next . "[0-i] " Oh , "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " Not that either , "[182-my husband] [he]182-my husband groans . " When [you]0-i form [your]0-i mouth into that shape , all [I]182-my husband can think of is having it wrapped around [my]182-my husband cock . "[182-my husband] Wetness pools between [my]0-i legs ... and it ’s not from the champagne . [My]0-i nipples pebble and [my]0-i sex clenches . [I]0-i chafe [my]0-i thighs , try to hold in the ache . Shit , this is crazy . Perhaps it ’s the forced not - being - able - to - climax thing that has [me]0-i wound so tightly . [I]0-i am on the edge of the precipice . One more touch , one more caress of those fingers in the most intimate of [my]0-i places , one more kiss , one more nip on [my]0-i clit , a tug on [my]0-i nipples and [I]0-i ’ll shatter . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i whine . " [I]0-i know . "[0-i] A wetness curls around [my]0-i nipple . [I]0-i gasp , " What are [you]1135-he doing ? "[0-i] " What does it feel like ? "[1135-he] [He]1135-he licks the cold champagne off the curve of [my]0-i breast . [I]0-i whimper . [He]1135-he swipes [his]1135-he way down the underside of [my]0-i breast . [His]1135-he large palms descend on either side of [my]0-i hips . [He]1135-he holds [me]0-i down as [I]0-i mentally follow the progress of [his]1135-he tongue , down [my]0-i belly , to [my]0-i navel . [He]1135-he dips [his]1135-he tongue inside [my]0-i belly button . [My]0-i pussy seems to fold in on itself . " Damn [you]1135-he , "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . [He]1135-he nips on the sensitive skin above [my]0-i pussy . [I]0-i jump . " [You]1135-he ’re forgetting something again , [babe]1023-babe . "[0-i] Right . [He]1135-he presses a kiss to the top of [my]0-i aching , throbbing , trembling core . " Say it . Go on . "[1135-he] " Damn [you]1135-he , [Sir]2262-sir , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . " [Good girl]2094-good girl . "[1135-he] [He]1135-he drags [his]1135-he chin across [my]0-i clit . [I]0-i shudder . Omigod . That was … That is … Oh ! [He]1135-he rubs [his]1135-he whiskered skin straight down [my]0-i lower lips . [My]0-i thighs spasm and [my]0-i scalp tingles . Goosebumps pop across [my]0-i skin . " Please , [Saint]47-saint . "[1135-he] " [You]47-saint ’ve got a choice now . "[1135-he] " [I]1135-he do ? "[1135-he] [I]0-i sense [him]1135-he nod against [my]0-i core . " [You]47-saint answer [my]1135-he questions correctly and [I]1135-he ’ll let [you]47-saint come . Get [them]2685-them wrong and … Well … [You]47-saint ’ll have to find out what happens then . "[1135-he] [He]1135-he nips on [my]0-i clit , [I]0-i moan . Hell , this … This is torture . This is heaven . This , with [his]1135-he face between [my]0-i thighs as [he]1135-he presses a soft kiss to [my]0-i dripping cunt . As [he]1135-he licks up [my]0-i cum from the inside of [my]0-i thigh , then straightens to press [his]1135-he lips to [mine]0-i . " Open . "[0-i] [I]0-i oblige , and [he]1135-he slides [his]1135-he tongue inside [my]0-i mouth . The taste of [me]0-i , of [him]1135-he , of the lingering tang of the champagne , goes straight to [my]0-i head . When [he]1135-he tears [his]1135-he mouth from [mine]0-i , [I]0-i sway toward [him]1135-he , seeking more , wanting more . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i huff , " Please , [Sir]2262-sir , please . "[1135-he] [He]1135-he laughs . " Do [you]0-i hear [yourself]0-i , [little Gigi]53-gigi ? [You]0-i ’re too greedy . "[1135-he] " [I]1135-he ’m not . "[1135-he] " Yep , [you]0-i are . "[1135-he] The heat of [his]1135-he body recedes and a cry escapes [my]0-i lips . [I]0-i strain against [my]0-i restrains . Reach out with [my]0-i leg , feeling for [him]1135-he , searching for [him]1135-he . " Now . Now . "[1135-he] [He]1135-he clicks [his]1135-he tongue . " [I]1135-he promised to take care of [you]0-i , did n’t [I]1135-he ? "[1135-he] [I]0-i nod . " [I]1135-he ’ll give [you]0-i what [you]0-i ’re aching for , but first [you]0-i need to answer a few questions . "[1135-he] " What the fuck , [Saint]47-saint ? "[0-i] [I]0-i cry out . " Another bloody riddle ? "[0-i] " [You]47-saint know [I]1135-he ca n’t live without [them]2687-them . "[1135-he] " [I]0-i thought [you]1136-he were n’t dependent on anything or [anyone]280-anyone , "[0-i] [I]0-i pout . " Indulge [me]0-i on this one . "[0-i] " Like [I]0-i have a choice ? "[0-i] [I]0-i toss [my]0-i head . " [You]1136-he do . Of course , [you]1136-he do . "[0-i] Not . [He]1136-he knows it . [I]0-i know it . So why the bloody hell is [he]1136-he pretending otherwise ? " Ask [your]1136-he stupid questions , "[0-i] [I]0-i mumble . " [You]1136-he hungry ? "[0-i] " Is that the question ? "[1136-he] " Yes . "[0-i] [I]0-i pause , tilt [my]0-i head . " Is this a trick ? So help [me]1136-he , [Saint]47-saint , if it is — "[1136-he] [He]1136-he pops a cracker , topped with something savory , into [my]0-i mouth . [I]0-i crunch down . Flavors explode on [my]0-i tongue . Yum . [I]0-i crunch down the food . Then open [my]0-i lips . " More . "[0-i] " First tell [me]1136-he what that was . "[1136-he] " That ’s what [you]0-i want to know ? "[1136-he] [I]0-i sense [him]1136-he nod . Silence stretches . [I]0-i run [my]0-i tongue over [my]0-i teeth , suck down the taste , " That was … hummus ? "[0-i] " Well done , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1136-he] [His]1136-he footsteps thump on the carpet . Then another cracker is placed on [my]0-i tongue . This one is slathered with something pungent , sharp , salty . The taste overwhelms [me]0-i . [I]0-i gulp it down , then scrunch up [my]0-i face , " Ugh … "[0-i] [I]0-i grimace . " Was that … blue cheese ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i did n’t like it ? "[1136-he] " [I]0-i hate aged cheese . It tastes like old shoe . "[0-i] " [You]0-i ’ve tasted old shoe ? "[1136-he] [I]0-i hear the smirk in [his]1136-he voice . " It smells like old socks . [They]2689-they ’re similar in taste , right ? "[1136-he] " Do n’t know , "[1136-he] [he]1136-he chuckles . " [I]1136-he ’ve never tasted it [myself]1136-he . Open , "[1136-he] [he]1136-he commands . [I]0-i part [my]0-i lips and [he]1136-he places another cracker in [my]0-i mouth . " And this ? "[1136-he] Complex textures — buttery , soft , creamy … [I]0-i crunch down on the cracker and fresh taste envelops [my]0-i taste buds . [I]0-i swallow , smack [my]0-i lips . " Burrata , "[0-i] [I]0-i exclaim . " [You]1136-he were n't kidding . [You]1136-he do prefer fresh cheeses , hmm ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i never lie when food is concerned , "[0-i] [I]0-i sniff . " No , only when it ’s real life . "[0-i] [My]0-i shoulders droop ; [my]0-i face heats . " Damn [you]1136-he , [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] " Yeah . "[1136-he] There ’s silence a beat , then another . [I]0-i ca n’t hear [him]1136-he . Where is [he]1136-he ? What is [he]1136-he doing ? Something brushes against [my]0-i lips ; [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth again , crunch down on what [I]0-i assume is a cracker . Fire erupts on [my]0-i tongue . " What the — ? "[0-i] [I]0-i splutter . [My]0-i eyes water . [My]0-i mouth feels like it ’s been doused in flames . " Here . "[1136-he] The cool edge of glass is placed against [my]0-i mouth . [He]1136-he holds the back of [my]0-i head in place . " Drink up . "[1136-he] [I]0-i hesitate . " It ’s water , [Gigi]53-gigi . [I]0-i am not completely insensitive . ”[0-i] Right . [I]0-i chug down the icy liquid and the edge of the searing pain recedes . " What was that ? "[0-i] [I]0-i gasp . " [You]1136-he tell [me]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head , " [I]1136-he barely tasted the food , [you]1136-he jerk . "[1136-he] [He]1136-he chuckles . " Go on , bet [you]0-i can take a guess . "[1136-he] [I]0-i set [my]0-i jaw . [He]1136-he caresses [my]0-i pussy , which instantly clenches . Hell , what am [I]0-i doing ? [I]0-i hate [him]1136-he , yet [I]0-i need [him]1136-he . [I]0-i ca n’t stop [my]0-i body from leaning into [his]1136-he touch . Push [my]0-i pelvis forward , so more of [his]1136-he skin connects with [mine]0-i . Bloody . Hell . " Why are [you]1136-he doing this ? "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . " Why ca n’t [you]1136-he simply fuck [me]0-i and be done with it . "[0-i] [He]1136-he leans in close enough for [his]1136-he nose to bump [mine]0-i . " Because that ’s not what [you]0-i want . "[1136-he] " And [you]1136-he know what [I]1136-he want ? "[1136-he] [I]0-i sense [him]1136-he nod . " Of course . Why do [you]1136-he think [I]1136-he accepted [your]1136-he offer ? "[1136-he] " Because [you]1136-he want to humiliate [me]1136-he ? "[1136-he] " [You]0-i mistake [my]1136-he intent . "[1136-he] [He]1136-he clicks [his]1136-he tongue , " This was so [you]0-i could find out more about [your]0-i tastes . "[1136-he] " That ’s what [you]1136-he think this is ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scoff . " [You]1136-he having [my]0-i best interests at heart ? "[0-i] " Not really . "[1136-he] [He]1136-he pauses . " [I]1136-he ’m using [you]0-i to get back at [the men who changed [my]1136-he life and those of [the Seven]55-the seven]2690-the men who changed my life and those of the seven . "[1136-he] “ Has it occurred to [you]1136-he that [they]2690-the men who changed my life and those of the seven ’re using [me]0-i too ? ”[0-i] Silence . " What … what did [they]2690-the men who changed my life and those of the seven do to [you]0-i [Saint]47-saint ? "[1136-he] [He]1136-he stiffens . Anger radiates off of [him]1136-he . [I]0-i flinch . What the hell am [I]0-i doing ? Why did [I]0-i ask [him]1136-he that ? Is it because [my]0-i eyes are bound ? Is it because [I]0-i ca n’t see [him]1136-he , that [I]0-i am so tuned into [him]1136-he that [I]0-i can discern the imperceptible edge of fear — helplessness even — that bleeds from [him]1136-he ? Nah , that ’s [my]0-i imagination . There is not an ounce of weakness about [this man]206-this man . Not only am [I]0-i unable to see , but [my]0-i remaining senses have been fooled by [him]1136-he as well . " It ’s fine , "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " Do n’t tell [me]0-i . [I]0-i do n’t want to know . "[0-i] " [You]0-i giving up so easily ? "[1136-he] [His]1136-he hard voice whips through [my]0-i head . [I]0-i straighten . " Giving up ? "[0-i] [I]0-i allow a smile to curve [my]0-i lips . " [I]0-i have n’t made it this far by losing hope . It ’s the only thing [I]0-i have to cling to . "[0-i] And [you]0-i ? What about [you]0-i ? Why do [I]0-i want to lean on [you]0-i ? What insanity is this , that even bound and blindfolded , knowing [he]1136-he can do anything to [me]0-i , [I]0-i trust [him]1136-he … to play with [my]0-i body any which way [he]1136-he wants ? That ’s all this is — a carnal need for [him]1136-he to possess [me]0-i , break [me]0-i , show [me]0-i how it can be between [a woman]297-a woman and [a man]175-a man . So what , if there are n’t any emotions involved ? It ’ll make it easier for [me]0-i to lure [him]1136-he to whatever … Whatever it is that [the Mafia]314-the mafia has planned for [him]1136-he . [I]0-i do n’t care what happens after that . [I]0-i do n’t . As long as [they]1141-they free [[my]0-i friend]226-my friend . That ’s all this is about . It does n’t matter that [my]0-i heart will be shattered by the end . [I]0-i ’ll find a way to go on . [I]0-i always do . [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , " Chili pepper . "[0-i] " What ? "[1136-he] [He]1136-he sounds surprised . " That was a five - spice sauce . "[1136-he] " [You]0-i ’re right . "[1136-he] [He]1136-he pauses , then tears the blindfold from [my]0-i eyes . [I]0-i blink . [His]1136-he face comes into focus . " So … [you’ll]0-i untie [me]1136-he now ? "[1136-he] [He]1136-he scratches [his]1136-he chin . [I]0-i frown . " The deal was , if [I]0-i got the answers right [you]1136-he would — "[0-i] " [I]0-i would ... ? "[0-i] An understanding sinks into [my]0-i mind . " [You]0-i[You]0-i … "[0-i] " [I]1136-he ’ll … ? "[1136-he] [he]1136-he prompts . " [You]0-i ’ll let [me]1136-he come ? "[1136-he] [I]0-i train [my]0-i gaze on [his]1136-he face . Please . Please say , yes . Please . [He]1136-he shakes [his]1136-he head . [I]0-i stare . " [I]1136-he changed [my]1136-he mind , "[1136-he] [he]1136-he smirks . " What ? "[1136-he] That familiar anger thrums up [my]0-i spine . [My]0-i blood thuds at [my]0-i temples and [my]0-i heartbeat ratchets up . [He]1136-he steps to [the cart]2669-the cart , scoops up some of that last spicy dip onto [his]1136-he cracker , then pops it in [his]1136-he mouth . Color sears [his]1136-he cheeks , then [he]1136-he reaches for more of the Champagne and washes it down . " Whew , [you]0-i were n’t kidding there . It is hot . "[1136-he] " [You]0-i[[you]0-i horrible man]2691-you horrible man . "[1136-he] [He]1136-he chuckles . " [You]0-i ca n’t do this to [me]1136-he . "[1136-he] [He]1136-he cuts off a slice of cheese — not the blue cheese , something else that looks like cheddar?—and bites into it . [His]1136-he jaws move . [He]1136-he tips the bottle of Champagne up , then chugs down more liquid . The strong column of [his]1136-he throat flexes as [he]1136-he swallows it down . Why the hell does [he]1136-he have to look sexy , doing something as simple as eating ? [He]1136-he reaches for a strawberry , is about to pop it into [his]1136-he mouth then stops . " Do [you]0-i like strawberries , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[1136-he] " What ? "[1136-he] [He]1136-he frowns , " Answer the question . "[1136-he] Class - [A wanker]1144-a wanker . That ’s what [he]1136-he is . [A douchebag of the first order]1145-a douchebag of the first order . [A bloody , horrendous brute of [a man who … hides a hurt that is eating away at [him]1136-he from the inside]1147-a man who … hides a hurt that is eating away at him from the inside . [I]0-i blink . Shit , [I]0-i do n’t need flashes of insight about [his]1136-he character … That will only elicit empathy for [him]1136-he]1146-a bloody , horrendous brute of a man who … hides a hurt that is eating away at him from the inside . i blink . shit , i do n’t need flashes of insight about his character … that will only elicit empathy for him . Am [I]0-i looking for a spark of redemption in [this guy]1148-this guy ? No , that would only make what [I]0-i have to do to [him]1136-he so much worse . [I]0-i purse [my]0-i lips and [he]1136-he scowls , " Yes or No ? "[1136-he] Shit , nothing is simple with [this guy]1148-this guy , is it ? [He]1148-this guy is so … so … complicated . [He]1136-he glares at [me]0-i and [I]0-i shiver . [My]0-i scalp tingles and [my]0-i toes curl . Oh , shit , this … is not going to end well . Not at all . " Yes , "[0-i] [I]0-i croak . " [I]0-i[I]0-i love strawberries . "[0-i] " So do [I.]1136-he "[1136-he] [His]1136-he eyes twinkle , " Especially when they ’re soaked in [your]0-i cum . "[1136-he] [He]1136-he steps around , then drops to [his]1136-he knees between [my]0-i still - parted legs .

29

[Saint]47-saint

[I]0-i press the fruit into the opening of [her]1150-her pussy . [She]1150-her inhales . [I]0-i drag the strawberry up [her]1150-her dripping cunt , then bring it to [my]0-i mouth . [I]0-i bite into the fruit and the tart , tangy , fruity taste bursts on [my]0-i tongue . Laced with it , is the sugary sweet taste of [her]1150-her cum . [My]0-i dick tents [my]0-i pants and [my]0-i vision tunnels . Fuck . [I]0-i need more . Much more . More of this , more of [her]1150-her essence . [I]0-i swallow the rest of the fruit , toss away the stem , then reach for another strawberry . They are now [my]0-i favorite fruit ever . [I]0-i fit the fruit in the opening of [her]1150-her channel . [Her]1150-her entire body shudders . " [Saint]47-saint , "[1150-her] [she]1150-her breathes . Yeah , [I]0-i know exactly how [she]1150-her ’s feeling . [I]0-i scoop up more of [her]1150-her juices , bite off the entire fruit . The tastes fill [my]0-i senses , go to [my]0-i head . The world tilts . Fuck . What is [she]1150-her doing to [me]0-i ? Dropping the stem , [I]0-i snatch up another of the berries . [I]0-i slide it into [her]1150-her wet pussy . [She]1150-her groans . " How does it feel ? "[1150-her] [my]0-i voice cracks . [I]0-i swallow . Shit , this entire experience is getting to [me]0-i . [I]0-i set out to show [her]1150-her [I]0-i could have [my]0-i way with [her]1150-her ; turns out , [I]0-i am the one at [her]1150-her mercy . Starved for [her]1150-her taste , addicted to [her]1150-her scent . Needing to wallow in [her]1150-her gorgeous essence , mark [her]1150-her with [my]0-i cum . Stake [my]0-i claim on [her]1150-her before this — whatever it is between [us]1151-us — comes to an end . " Tell [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [I]0-i press the berry deeper into [her]1150-her sweet cunt . " It … it , "[1150-her] [her]1150-her voice shakes , " It makes [me]1150-her want more . So much more . [I]1150-her want to taste it . "[1150-her] [She]1150-her gulps , " Please … Sir . "[1150-her] [Her]1150-her words sink into [my]0-i blood , race straight to [my]0-i belly and coil in [my]0-i gut . Fuck this . [I]0-i slip the strawberry out , then rise up to [my]0-i feet and offer it to [her]1150-her , " Eat it . "[0-i] [She]1150-her takes a bite , chews and swallows . [Her]1150-her gaze grows heavy . [Her]1150-her cheeks flush . " Well ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . " How does it taste ? "[0-i] " Sexy . "[1150-her] [Her]1150-her blush deepens . " [I]0-i mean … it … tastes like nothing [I]0-i ’ve ever eaten before . "[0-i] [I]0-i crunch on the rest of the fruit , toss away the stem . " Want more ? "[1150-her] [She]1150-her nods . [I]0-i scoop up another . Reaching between [us]1152-us , [I]0-i roll the fruit in the cum that trails down [her]1150-her inner thigh . [I]0-i bite on it , offer [her]1150-her the rest . Take another strawberry , stroke it up [her]1150-her pussy . [Her]1150-her legs buckle . [I]0-i grip [her]1150-her shoulder to support [her]1150-her . Offer the fruit to [her]1150-her , then eat the rest . [I]0-i repeat it with another berry , then another . [My]0-i breathing deepens and sweat beads [my]0-i spine . [My]0-i mouth waters ; [my]0-i dick lengthens . [I]0-i reach for the next berry , but when [I]0-i press it to [her]1150-her cunt , [she]1150-her groans , " [I]1150-her ca n’t … [I]1150-her want ... "[1150-her] [She]1150-her arches [her]1150-her spine , pushes the back of [her]1150-her head into [my]0-i chest . [She]1150-her parts [her]1150-her lips and [I]0-i pop the strawberry in . [She]1150-her tears off half of it . [I]0-i bite down on the other half , chew and swallow , then go in for seconds . [I]0-i press [my]0-i lips to [hers]1150-her , lick up the tangy taste of the berry , the sweetness of [her]1150-her mouth , the complex notes of [her]1150-her cum . [My]0-i dick throbs and a pulse beats to life on [my]0-i eyelids , at [my]0-i temples , even in [my]0-i fucking balls . [I]0-i toe off [my]0-i shoes , then reach down , shove down [my]0-i zipper , then [my]0-i pants and [my]0-i briefs ; kick them aside . [I]0-i grab [my]0-i dick , position it between [her]1150-her arsecheeks . The head of [my]0-i weeping cock , nudges against [her]1150-her back hole . [I]0-i bring [my]0-i fingers around to the front , slip them inside [her]1150-her cunt . [Her]1150-her pussy clamps down on [me]0-i . [I]0-i groan , " Fuck , [you]1150-her ’re so ready for [me]0-i . Can [you]1150-her feel that ? "[0-i] " [Saint]47-saint . "[1150-her] [She]1150-her turns [her]1150-her head , licks the side of [my]0-i jaw . Another ripple of pleasure tears down [my]0-i spine . A pressure builds in [my]0-i groin . [I]0-i push forward , until [my]0-i dick is inside [her]1150-her puckered hole . A whine slips from [her]1150-her lips . " It ’s too much , "[1150-her] [she]1150-her gasps . " Not enough . "[1150-her] [I]0-i bring [my]0-i other hand around , insert [my]0-i thumb into [her]1150-her mouth . [She]1150-her bites down on [my]0-i digit , and [I]0-i feel the pull all the way down to [my]0-i shaft . " [Gigi]53-gigi , fuck , "[0-i] [I]0-i groan , " [I]0-i need to be inside of [you]1150-her . "[0-i] " Then do it . "[1150-her] [She]1150-her nuzzles [my]0-i cheek . " Take [me]1150-her . Come inside [me]1150-her . "[1150-her] " What ? "[0-i] " Do it the right way , "[1150-her] [she]1150-her whispers . " It has to be this way . "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " It does n’t have to be like this , "[1150-her] [she]1150-her pleads . " [You]0-i worried that it will hurt ? "[1150-her] [My]0-i thighs spasm and [my]0-i cock lengthens inside of [her]1150-her . [She]1150-her gasps , a bead of sweat running down [her]1150-her temple , " Not [me]1150-her , but [I]1150-her think [you]0-i ’re not ready to face whatever is between [us]2692-us . "[1150-her] [I]0-i frown . " And what ’s that , exactly ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i pretend not to feel anything , but the fact is ... "[1150-her] [she]1150-her peers up at [me]0-i from under [her]1150-her sooty eyelashes , " ... fact is that [you]0-i sense the connection , how attracted [you]0-i are to [me]1150-her , and it worries [you]0-i . "[1150-her] " [Me]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i snort . " [Sweetheart]76-sweetheart , the only thing [you]0-i should be worried about is how much of [me]0-i [you]0-i can take inside of [you]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i angle [my]0-i hips and [my]0-i shaft slips in through [her]1150-her tight ring . [She]1150-her gasps . A growl rips from [me]0-i . [I]0-i grit [my]0-i teeth , stay where [I]0-i am . Stay . Stay . [I]0-i set [my]0-i jaw so hard , pain shoots up [my]0-i face . " Fuck , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . " [You]1150-her ’re fucking beautiful . "[0-i] " And [you]1150-her ’re [a fucking coward]2693-a fucking coward . "[0-i] The drumming at [my]0-i temple intensifies . A tightness pushes down on [my]0-i ribcage . Sweat pours down [my]0-i spine until [my]0-i shirt sticks to [my]0-i back . Fucking with [her]1150-her is primal , angry , visceral … a messy coalescence of [our]1153-our combined body fluids , of lust and caution , a need to subdue and suppress , a primal urge to own , to mate . To push [myself]0-i and [her]1150-her to the edge where nothing else remains . Not [our]1153-our pasts , not [her]1150-her betrayal , not the way [I]0-i have to use [her]1150-her for [my]0-i own selfish ends . Not the sensual way [she]1150-her rubs against [me]0-i , the curve of [her]1150-her hips pressed into the hard bones of [my]0-i pelvis . Not how [she]1150-her strains against [her]1150-her restraints , [her]1150-her face buried into [my]0-i neck as [she]1150-her licks the sweat that clings to [my]0-i skin , as [I]0-i pull out of [her]1150-her so suddenly that [she]1150-her whines . " Fuck [me]1150-her , [Saint]47-saint , please . "[1150-her] " [I]0-i am going to slap [your]1150-her pussy until [you]1150-her cry , spank [your]1150-her arse so [my]0-i fingerprints are etched into [your]1150-her memory , choke [you]1150-her while [you]1150-her suck on [my]0-i dick . "[0-i] [I]0-i search [her]1150-her features , " Do [you]1150-her want that ? "[0-i] [She]1150-her nods . " [I]1150-her 'll plug [your]1150-her mouth with [my]1150-her tongue , as [my]1150-her fingers cram [your]1150-her spasming back hole , and crush [you]1150-her under the weight of [my]1150-her intention . Then [I]1150-her 'll screw [you]1150-her until [you]1150-her scream [my]1150-her name and ask [me]1150-her to let [you]1150-her come , and even then , [I]1150-her will not . Not until every part of [you]1150-her has been stamped with [my]1150-her essence , [my]1150-her name written on every cell of [your]1150-her body ... until [your]1150-her breath is [mine]1150-her , [your]1150-her heartbeat mirroring [my]1150-her urgency as [I]1150-her thrust into [you]1150-her again and again ... Until [you]1150-her beg for release . "[1150-her] [Her]1154-her breath hitches . " And even then , [I]1154-her wo n't let [you]1150-her come ... [You]1150-her willing to play this game with [me]1154-her , [Gigi]53-gigi ? [She]1154-her nods "[1154-her] [Good girl]2094-good girl . " Reaching up , [I]2094-good girl untie [her]1154-her restraints . [She]1154-her pulls back [her]1154-her arms . [I]2094-good girl flip [her]1154-her around , hook [my]2094-good girl hands under [her]1154-her thighs , lift [her]1154-her up and into the pillar . [She]1154-her winds [her]1154-her long legs around [my]2094-good girl waist [I]2094-good girl bend [my]2094-good girl knees , peer into [her]1154-her eyes . "[2094-good girl] [You]1156-i sure ? " [I]1156-i growl . "[1156-i] [You]1156-i having second thoughts ? " [she]1154-her huffs . [I]1156-i twist [my]1156-i lips , "[1156-i] [You]1156-i on birth control ? " "[1156-i] [You]1156-i think [I]0-i ’m lying ? " [She]1154-her meets [my]1156-i gaze , green eyes clear , the smooth , unfurled calm of the surface of [a lake]2694-a lake , just before [I]1156-i dive into [the depths]2695-the depths . Cool , peaceful , everything [I]1156-i ’ve searched for . [Every damn slice of heaven [I]1156-i ’ve wanted]2696-every damn slice of heaven i ’ve wanted . [I]1156-i am going to [hell]2697-hell , and [I]1156-i am taking [her]1154-her with [me]1156-i . [Her]1154-her pupils dilate until the black seems to bleed out , leaving only a circle of green at the edges . "[1156-i] [I]0-i dare [you]0-i . " [She]1154-her smiles , a beautiful curve of [her]1154-her lips that punches [me]0-i straight in the gut . "[0-i] Fuck [you]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi . " [I]53-gigi piston [my]53-gigi hips forward and drive inside [her]1154-her . [She]1154-her screams , "[53-gigi] No , no , no , " and throws [her]1154-her head back against the pillar . "[53-gigi] What the actual fuck ? " [I]53-gigi look down to where [we]2698-we are connected . [Her]1154-her pussy clenches down on [my]53-gigi cock , even as [she]1154-her digs [her]1154-her fingernails into [my]53-gigi shoulders . It ca n’t be . Can it ? The world ebbs and flows around [me]53-gigi . [My]53-gigi leg muscles spasm and [my]53-gigi fingers grow numb . [I]53-gigi glare at [her]1154-her face , "[53-gigi] Tell [me]0-i it ’s not fucking true , [Victoria]108-victoria . " "[108-victoria] [I]0-i am ... was [a virgin]1157-a virgin , " [She]1154-her swallows , [her]1154-her face pale , then tips up [her]1154-her chin . "[1157-a virgin] So what ? It was an inconvenience . " "[0-i] [You]0-i used [me]0-i ? " [I]0-i begin to pull out . [She]1154-her snarls , buries [her]1154-her heels into the backs of [my]0-i hips . "[0-i] Do n’t [you]0-i dare ! " [she]1154-her cries out . "[0-i] Do n’t tell [me]0-i what to do , " [I]0-i glare at [her]1154-her . [She]1154-her throws [her]1154-her arms around [my]0-i shoulders , leans in close . "[0-i] [You]0-i ’re [a coward]1158-a coward , " [she]1154-her whispers in [my]1158-a coward ears . "[1158-a coward] It wo n’t work , " [I]0-i laugh . "[0-i] [You]0-i ’re trying to goad [me]0-i on , hoping to make [me]0-i lose control , [I]0-i[She]1159-her bites the side of [my]0-i neck . Buries [her]1159-her teeth until [she]1159-her breaks skin . Goosebumps pop on [my]0-i skin . The pain thrums across [my]0-i nerve endings and [my]0-i cock hardens even further inside [her]1159-her . " Jesus , "[0-i] [I]0-i swear . " [You]0-i ’re a hellion . "[1159-her] [She]1159-her pulls back , a drop of blood — [my]0-i blood — glistening on [her]1159-her lips . " And it turns [you]0-i on . "[1159-her] [Her]1159-her eyes gleam . [I]0-i snarl , grip [her]1159-her thighs so hard that [she]1159-her winces . But [she]1159-her does n’t back down . [I]0-i ’m marking [her]1159-her . [She]1159-her ’ll have marks where [I]0-i held [her]1159-her — so ? This is what [I]0-i set out to do , did n’t [I]0-i ? Claim [her]1159-her ? " Damn right , it does . [You]1159-her ’re going to regret this . "[0-i] [I]0-i draw in a sharp breath , and the scent of [her]1159-her arousal — hot , pungent , with the lingering scent of strawberries , blurring with the faint hint of copper — fuck — it crowds in on [me]0-i , pushes down on [my]0-i chest . Shoves at [me]0-i , urges [me]0-i on ... Further , further . " Fuck [you]1159-her , [Gigi]53-gigi ; and fuck [me]1159-her . "[1159-her] Oh , wait . [I]0-i ’d been fucked since the day [the Seven]55-the seven and [I]0-i had had [our]1160-our lives irreversibly changed by the incident . [I]0-i plunge into [her]1159-her with such force , [my]0-i balls slap against [her]1159-her skin . Lower [my]0-i head kiss [her]1159-her . The taste of copper , mixed with strawberries and [her]1159-her inherent sweetness — all of it goes to [my]0-i head . [I]0-i pull back , then push into [her]1159-her , burying [myself]0-i inside [her]1159-her to the hilt , impaling [her]1159-her with such force that the entire bed shakes . The headboard thuds against the wall ; a crash sounds somewhere in the distance . Fuck that . A grown boils up [her]1159-her throat . [I]0-i swallow it , then [I]0-i begin to fuck [her]1159-her in earnest . [I]0-i thrust into [her]1159-her again and again . Angle [my]0-i hips , propel forward . [I]0-i push into [her]1159-her . [I]0-i want to tear into [her]1159-her pussy , mark [her]1159-her as [mine]0-i . [Mine]0-i . The word echoes in [my]0-i ears , thrums in [my]0-i veins . [I]0-i tear [my]0-i mouth from [hers]1159-her , peer into [her]1159-her face . " Look at [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . [Her]1159-her eyelids flutter . [I]0-i click [my]0-i tongue , " Eyes on [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [She]1159-her snaps [her]1159-her eyelids open . [Her]1159-her gaze locks with [mine]0-i — pupils blown , the darkness so wide , it overwhelms [her]1159-her eyes . [I]0-i see [myself]0-i in them — [a frenzied , pushed - to - the - edge , out - of - control male whose only goal in life]1161-a frenzied , pushed - to - the - edge , out - of - control male whose only goal in life is to fuck [this woman]299-this woman . To make [her]299-this woman come . To ensure that [her]1159-her first time is so fucking mind - blowing , that [she]1159-her ’ll never glance at [another man]218-another man again . " [You]53-gigi ’re mine , [Victoria]108-victoria . "[1159-her] [Her]1159-her breath hitches . " [Mine]53-gigi ! [You]53-gigi feel [me]1159-her ? "[1159-her] [She]1159-her nods " Say it . "[1159-her] " [I]1159-her am [yours]53-gigi . "[1159-her] " To take and to pleasure … "[1159-her] [She]1159-her swallows . " Repeat after [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " To take and to pleasure . "[0-i] [Her]1159-her chin wobbles . " To use … "[0-i] " To use . "[1159-her] " To rip apart . "[1159-her] [She]1159-her hiccups . [I]0-i glare at [her]1159-her . [She]1159-her pales . " To rip apart . "[1159-her] [Her]1159-her lips glisten . " To piece back together . "[1159-her] [I]0-i scan [her]1159-her features . A tear slides down [her]1159-her cheek , [I]0-i lick it up . " Do n’t stop , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] " To piece back together , "[1159-her] [she]1159-her whispers . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i forehead to [hers]1159-her , " So help [me]0-i , [God]66-god . "[0-i] " So help [me]0-i … "[0-i] [I]0-i thrust forward and [she]1159-her screams , " God ! "[1159-her] [I]0-i close [my]0-i mouth over [hers]1159-her , absorb the sound . [I]0-i fuck [her]1159-her , with more intensity than [I]0-i ’ve done anything else before in [my]0-i life . [I]0-i pull [her]1159-her close enough that [her]1159-her breasts are flattened against [my]0-i chest , [her]1159-her nipples hard enough to imprint themselves into [my]0-i skin . [My]0-i balls draw up ; the pressure builds at the base of [my]0-i spine . [I]0-i pull back , gaze into [her]1159-her eyes . " Come for [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [Her]1159-her body bucks , [her]1159-her eyes roll back in [her]1159-her head , [her]1159-her spine arches , the trembling sweeps up [her]1159-her legs , [her]1159-her breasts thrust up , and [her]1159-her mouth opens . [She]1159-her shatters , and so do [I.]0-i [I]0-i come , shooting hot gusts of cum inside of [her]1159-her , watching [her]1159-her , matching [her]1159-her , taking [her]1159-her with [me]0-i , over the edge . Sparks of white flash behind [my]0-i eyes . [My]0-i knees seem to buckle under [me]0-i . [I]0-i stagger back , still inside of [her]1159-her , holding [her]1159-her to [me]0-i . Make it around to the bed and sink down on [my]0-i back , pulling [her]1159-her to [me]0-i . Tension drains from [my]0-i limbs . [I]0-i cuddle [her]1159-her and [she]1159-her turns [her]1159-her head into [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i tuck [her]1159-her head under [my]0-i chin . [Her]1159-her muscles twitch , [her]1159-her breathing evens out . [I]0-i let sleep pull [me]0-i under , making sure to keep [her]1159-her plastered to [me]0-i .

The images swamp [me]0-i . [I]0-i know [I]0-i ’m dreaming but [I]0-i ca n’t stop [myself]0-i .

" Do n’t go , [Mom]117-mom . "[856-my mother] [[My]0-i mother]856-my mother grips [my]0-i arms , " [I]856-my mother wanted to stay for [you]0-i , but [I]856-my mother ca n’t . [I]856-my mother ca n’t do this , [Saint]47-saint . [I]856-my mother ’m sorry . "[856-my mother] " So that 's it ? "[856-my mother] Anger suffuses [my]0-i chest , " [You]856-my mother 're leaving ? "[0-i] [I]0-i take a step forward . At thirteen [I]0-i already tower over [her]856-my mother . [Her]856-my mother lips firm . " [I]856-my mother tried , [Saint]47-saint , [I]856-my mother really did . But it 's too hard . [You]47-saint know what [they]2699-they say about ensuring [you]47-saint have [your]47-saint oxygen mask on before [you]47-saint fit it over [[your]47-saint child]2700-your child , during turbulence on [a flight]2701-a flight — ? "[856-my mother] What ’s that got to do with anything ? " "[856-my mother] This is [my]0-i version of it , [Saint]47-saint . " [Her]856-my mother lips twist "[47-saint] [I]0-i need to breathe . [I]0-i need to make sure [I]0-i survive , else [I]0-i 'll be of no use to [anyone else]369-anyone else . " [She]856-my mother turns away , wheels [her]856-my mother suitcase along as [she]856-my mother heads for the door . "[118-jasmine] [Jasmine]118-jasmine , " [[my]118-jasmine father]498-my father calls after [her]856-my mother , "[118-jasmine] if [you]118-jasmine leave , [you]118-jasmine 'll never get another penny from [me]0-i . " [She]856-my mother pauses at the door . "[47-saint] [You]47-saint think [I]0-i married [you]47-saint for [your]47-saint money , [William]119-william ? [You]47-saint are wrong . All [I]0-i wanted was [you]47-saint , [a home for [us]1167-us that [I]0-i could fill with love]1166-a home for us that i could fill with love . But that was n’t enough for [you]47-saint . [You]47-saint wanted more power , more money … more everything . It ’s why [[your]47-saint son]1168-your son was kidnapped , and even then , [you]47-saint did n’t have the time to negotiate for [his]1168-your son release . " "[47-saint] [I]0-i paid up , did n’t [I]0-i ? " [She]2703-she whirls around . "[0-i] Open [your]47-saint eyes , [William]119-william . Money does n’t buy everything . " [[My]0-i father]498-my father prowls forward . "[0-i] It bought [his]1168-your son freedom , " [he]498-my father nods at [me]0-i . "[0-i] At what cost ? " [She]2703-she asks . "[1168-your son] [He]1168-your son 's free , is n't [he]1168-your son ? " [[my]1168-your son father]498-my father huffs . "[1168-your son] Is [he]1168-your son ? " [Her]2703-she eyebrows knit . "[1168-your son] Look around [yourself]47-saint , [William]119-william , [you]47-saint 've created a space which suffocates [me]0-i . " "[47-saint] And whose fault is that ? " [[My]47-saint father]498-my father prowls forward . "[47-saint] [You]47-saint could n't cope with the fallout of [his]1168-your son kidnapping . [You]47-saint could n't be strong enough for [him]1168-your son . Do n’t push [your]47-saint shortcomings on [me]0-i , [woman]1169-woman . " "[1169-woman] Oh , so [you]47-saint want to talk about [my]0-i shortcomings , do [you]47-saint ? " The skin around [[my]47-saint mother]856-my mother 's lips whitens . "[47-saint] And [you]47-saint think [you]47-saint 're perfect , [you]47-saint" "[47-saint] Stop ! " [I]47-saint bunch [my]47-saint fists at [my]47-saint side , "[47-saint] Both of [you]47-saint , shut up . " Silence , a beat . [[My]47-saint mother]856-my mother flips [her]856-my mother hair over [her]856-my mother shoulder . "[47-saint] This is why [I]0-i need to leave . " [She]856-my mother waves a hand in the air . "[47-saint] If [I]0-i stay , it 's only going to get worse , and that 's not helping any of [us]1170-us . " [Her]856-my mother fingers tighten on [her]856-my mother suitcase . "[0-i] [I]0-i ’m sorry , [Killian]47-saint . [I]0-i truly am . But [you]47-saint are strong , [you]47-saint ’ll get through this . " [I]1171-i wo n't . [I]1171-i love [you]856-my mother , [Ma]120-ma . Please , do n't leave [me]1171-i , is what [I]1171-i want to say . Instead [I]1171-i press [my]1171-i lips together , force [myself]1171-i to swallow the scream that bubbles up inside . [My]1171-i throat hurts , [my]1171-i head feels like it 's going to burst . What 's wrong with [me]1171-i ? [Couples]2709-couples divorced all the time , and it happens to be [my]1171-i turn to face the shitstorm . Big fucking deal . So why the hell do [I]1171-i want to bawl [my]1171-i eyes out right now ? "[1171-i] Let [her]1171-i go . " [[My]1171-i father]498-my father prowls forward . [I]1171-i glare at [him]498-my father , "[1171-i] [You]1172-you could at least pretend to care . " "[1171-i] It 's no use . " [He]498-my father drags [his]498-my father fingers through [his]498-my father hair . "[1171-i] [People]2061-people fall out of love , [Saint]47-saint . " The band around [my]47-saint chest tightens . "[47-saint] That 's a bloody lousy excuse and [you]47-saint know that . " [[My]47-saint ma]600-my ma wipes the tear that 's rolled down [my]47-saint cheek . "[47-saint] [You]47-saint 're hurting , [Saint]47-saint , but this too shall pass . " "[47-saint] What - fucking - ever , " [I]47-saint growl . [She]600-my ma frowns at [me]47-saint . Sure , rebuke [me]47-saint for [my]47-saint bad language . Like [you]47-saint actually care . If [she]600-my ma did , [she]600-my ma ’d stay , would n't [she]600-my ma ? [I]47-saint fold [my]47-saint arms over [my]47-saint chest . [She]600-my ma scrutinizes [my]47-saint features . "[47-saint] What gets broken without being held ? " [she]600-my ma asks . What 's the answer ? What is it ? [I]47-saint cast around in [my]47-saint mind ... come up blank . "[47-saint] Well ? " [She]600-my ma tilts [her]600-my ma head . [My]0-i heart begins to race . "[0-i] [I]0-i ... [I]0-i do n't know . " [I]0-i force the words out . Sweat beads [my]0-i palm . "[0-i] A promise . " [Her]600-my ma lips twist . "[0-i] Imagine [you]0-i are in [a dark room]1174-a dark room . How do [you]0-i get out ? " [Her]600-my ma chin wobbles . [I]0-i swallow , [my]0-i fingers tremble and [I]0-i shove them into the pockets of [my]0-i pants , "[0-i] [I]0-i[I]0-i do n’t know the answer to that either . " "[0-i] Stop imagining . [She]600-my ma draws in a breath , “[0-i] [You]0-i get to imagine [your]0-i life anyway [you]0-i want it to be , so stop imagining what [you]0-i do n't want . Get out of [the dark room]1175-the dark room . Face [your]0-i fears . [You]0-i , and only [you]0-i , have the power to save [yourself]0-i . Remember that , [Saint]47-saint . " [She]600-my ma grimaces , then pulls off [her]600-my ma ring , hands it over to [me]47-saint . [I]47-saint stare at it . The fuck am [I]47-saint going to do with that ? [She]600-my ma grabs [my]47-saint hand , pries open [my]47-saint fingers and closes them around [her]600-my ma ring . "[47-saint] This is for [you]47-saint , [Saint]47-saint . " [She]600-my ma brushes past [me]1176-she , down [the steps]2712-the steps . [[My]1176-she father]498-my father draws abreast . [He]498-my father places [his]498-my father hand on [my]1176-she shoulder ; [I]1176-she shake it off . "[1176-she] [She]1176-she knew what [she]1176-she was getting into when [she]1176-she married [me]0-i . " [His]498-my father voice is hard , "[1176-she] [She]1176-she knew [my]0-i business would always come first . [She]1176-she wanted more , and that was n't part of [our]1177-our bargain . " [He]498-my father meets [my]1176-she gaze , unflinching . [His]498-my father blue eyes , so like [mine]1176-she , are cold . Calculating . A shiver runs down [my]1176-she spine . "[1176-she] So this was all a ... transaction ? " "[1176-she] [You]1178-you could call it that . " [His]498-my father jaw hardens . "[1176-she] And what about [me]0-i ? " [My]0-i heart begins to thud . [His]498-my father expressions forms into a mask . "[0-i] [You]0-i were a mistake . " "[0-i] A mistake ; it 's all a mistake . " [I]0-i snap open [my]0-i eyes . It ’s that same familiar nightmare that has haunted [me]0-i for so long . Why has it surfaced now ? [I]0-i glance around [the room]319-the room ; [it]319-the room 's empty .[0-i]

30

[Victoria]108-victoria

" Fuck , fuck , fuck . "[0-i] [I]0-i hunch into the corner of [the shower stall]1179-the shower stall . What did [I]0-i do ? Why did [I]0-i do it ? [I]0-i ’d taunted [him]1180-he , until [he]1180-he ’d lost control . Oh , [he]1180-he ’d called [me]0-i out on that , all right . [He]1180-he ’d known [I]0-i was manipulating [him]1180-he . Well , to the extent that someone like [Saint]47-saint could be , that is . [He]1180-he had n’t reached [his]1180-he level of success without learning how to manage [his]1180-he impulses , how to gauge [[his]1180-he opponents]1181-his opponents and move in for the kill when [they]1181-his opponents least expected it . Bet [he]1180-he had n’t been expecting the surprise [I]0-i ’d pulled on [him]1180-he . [My]0-i sobs well up , the tears flowing down [my]0-i cheeks . [I]0-i pull [my]0-i knees into [my]0-i naked body as the water pours over [me]0-i . [My]0-i hair sticks to [my]0-i face , [my]0-i shoulders . [I]0-i fold [my]0-i arms over [my]0-i knees , drop [my]0-i head onto them , and allow [myself]0-i to cry . Shit . Why am [I]0-i falling apart now ? Why are [my]0-i arms and legs shaking ? Goosebumps flare on [my]0-i skin . [My]0-i heart slams against [my]0-i ribcage . A ball of emotion chokes [my]0-i throat . [I]0-i try to breathe , but [my]0-i lungs burn . The hell is happening ? Am [I]0-i having a nervous breakdown ? And about what ? Finally losing [my]0-i virginity ? It ’s not a big thing … Not a milestone . Why had it even hurt ? Had n’t [I]0-i read somewhere that the hymen has been bred out of [us]1182-us ? It was stupid of [me]0-i to have held onto it so far . Not that [I]0-i had tried too hard to lose it . [I]0-i had been too busy working toward a scholarship , and in [university]1183-university [I]0-i 'd focused on [my]0-i studies . Been too much of [a bookworm]1184-a bookworm , and far happier to spend [my]0-i time with [fictional characters]1185-fictional characters than in [the real world]2100-the real world . If it had n't been for [Nina]52-nina , [her]52-nina ... [I]0-i 'd have never seen much outside of [the class room]1187-the class room , either . [I]0-i hope [she]52-nina ’s okay . [She]52-nina has to be … It ’s the only thing that makes all this worthwhile ... Except , when [he]1188-he ’d taken [me]0-i with that ferocity , it had completely floored [me]0-i . When [he]1188-he ’d stared into [my]0-i eyes and made [me]0-i repeat those words … [My]0-i sobs intensify . It had felt … Real . Like [I]0-i was truly wedded to [him]1188-he , joined to [him]1188-he . [He]1188-he ’d marked [me]0-i , [the asshole]581-the asshole . [He]1188-he ’d fucked [me]0-i with a determination that had cast aside everything else that had happened in [my]0-i life . It felt like [I]0-i was starting with a fresh slate … [I]0-i left [Victoria]108-victoria behind . All that remains is [Gigi]53-gigi . [His]1188-he Gigi . Hell , this is insane . The thoughts whirl around in [my]0-i head and [my]0-i arms and legs seem to go numb . What is wrong with [me]0-i ? [I]0-i have to get out of here . Away from [him]1188-he . Before [he]1188-he realizes the extent to which [he]1188-he ’s already imprinted on [my]0-i cells . [I]0-i draw in a ragged breath , then lurch up to [my]0-i feet . [My]0-i legs prickle with pins and needles , then crumple . The ground comes up to meet [me]0-i . Shit ! [I]0-i brace for impact , and hit something hard … solid … warm ... vertical . " [Victoria]108-victoria . "[1188-he] [His]1188-he voice curls around [me]0-i . [His]1188-he grip on [my]0-i shoulders is reassuring , familiar … [His]1188-he slippery skin under [my]0-i cheek … too inviting . [I]0-i ca n’t afford to be drawn to [him]1188-he , ca n’t have [him]1188-he finding out what [I]0-i am going to do to [him]1188-he . Ca n’t allow [him]1188-he to realize how [our]1190-our entire encounter has affected [me]0-i . [I]0-i shove at [his]1188-he shoulders , " Let [me]0-i go . "[0-i] " Not a chance . "[1188-he] [He]1188-he wraps [his]1188-he big arms around [me]0-i , pulls [me]0-i into [him]1188-he . One big palm rubs across [my]0-i back . " Cry as much as [you]0-i want . [I]1188-he wo n’t judge . "[1188-he] [His]1188-he voice is soft … so unlike how [he]1188-he ’s ever spoken to [me]0-i before . A fresh burst of sobs wells up . Shit , it ’s like everything pent - up inside of [me]0-i has been building up , waiting until [I]0-i could n’t hold it in anymore . A spark to dry wood and it had flared out of control . The tears do n’t seem to stop . [My]0-i cheeks heat , [my]0-i eyes burn , and [I]0-i try to pull away from [him]1188-he . [He]1188-he cups the back of [my]0-i head , presses [my]0-i face into [his]1188-he shoulder . Then [he]1188-he sinks down onto the bench in [the shower stall]1179-the shower stall and pulls [me]0-i onto [his]1188-he lap , the water flowing over both of [us]1192-us . Damn it , [I]0-i do n’t want to lose it like this with [him]1188-he . It ’s exactly the kind of weakness [he]1188-he ’ll exploit to [his]1188-he advantage . [I]0-i try to speak and hiccup instead . Try to pull away again . [He]1188-he tightens [his]1188-he grip even further . [He]1188-he cuddles [me]0-i close enough for [his]1188-he shoulders to block out most of the water . A safe haven in the center of a storm . A shield against the worst that life had thrown at [me]0-i . Why do [I]0-i want to believe that [he]1188-he can protect [me]0-i from what is to come ? Why do [I]0-i want to sink into [him]1188-he , forget about everything that has happened to [me]0-i and conspired to bring [me]0-i here , in this shower , in [[his]1188-he hotel suite]1193-his hotel suite , wrapped around [him]1188-he , crying [my]0-i eyes out ? It makes [me]0-i sob harder … as if that were possible . [He]1188-he holds [me]0-i tightly . Vibrations rumble up [his]1188-he massive chest . [I]0-i press [my]0-i ear closer against [his]1188-he ribcage . [I]0-i sense [him]1188-he move , rock [me]0-i to and fro . [I]0-i listen to the purr that thrums up [his]1188-he throat — a low humming , subvocal [I]0-i recognize . [I]0-i pick up the notes of a tune that had wafted up the stairs when [[my]0-i mother]856-my mother had played it at night , in [[our]1195-our home in [LA]8-la]1196-our home in la . [I]0-i had often fallen asleep to it . Now [I]0-i focus on the words of [Hey Jude]121-hey jude , tune into it , use the familiar melody to ground [me]0-i . [I]0-i swallow down [my]0-i tears . [He]1188-he continues to rock [me]0-i , singing the words under [his]1188-he breath . " This is getting to be a habit , "[1188-he] [my]0-i voice cracks . [I]0-i swallow , " [You]1188-he singing to [me]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i sense [his]1188-he lips curve against [my]0-i hair . " [You]1188-he seriously do suck at it though , "[0-i] [I]0-i mumble . [He]1188-he chuckles . " Should [I]1188-he stop ? "[1188-he] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head , nuzzle into [his]1188-he chest , " It 's curiously loveable ... "[0-i] [I]0-i hesitate , " or maybe [I]0-i should say loveably curious . "[0-i] " That 's a first , "[1188-he] [he]1188-he laughs . " [No one]2059-no one 's ever called [me]1188-he either one of those . But then [I]1188-he 've never acted so out of character as when [I]1188-he am with [you]0-i . "[1188-he] Wait , what ? Every time [I]0-i want to hate [him]1188-he , [he]1188-he has to go and do something which destroys that resting dick face persona [he]1188-he 's cultivated . [He]1188-he runs [his]1188-he fingers down [my]0-i arm . Goosebumps flare on [my]0-i skin and [I]0-i shiver . " [You]0-i ’re cold . "[1188-he] [He]1188-he shifts [his]1188-he weight under [me]0-i , and [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " Do n’t go . "[0-i] " [I]1188-he was n’t … "[1188-he] [he]1188-he hesitates . " [I]1188-he was going to run [you]0-i a bath . "[1188-he] " A bath ? "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow to clear the scratchiness in [my]0-i throat . " Thought that would help ease the soreness . "[0-i] " Soreness ? "[1188-he] Oh , [he]1188-he means … . Right . [My]0-i cheeks heat , which is stupid , considering everything [he]1188-he ’s done to [my]0-i body already . [I]0-i ’ve never felt this naked , and not just in the physical sense . [I]0-i bury [my]0-i face deeper into [his]1188-he chest . [He]1188-he chuckles , " Do n’t go all shy on [me]1188-he now . "[1188-he] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . [I]0-i will not speak . If [I]0-i do , it will only reveal how , embarrassed [I]0-i am by [my]0-i outburst . [He]1188-he rises to [his]1188-he feet , steps out of the shower stall , and walks over to [the sunken bath tub]1197-the sunken bath tub . [He]1188-he lowers [me]0-i to the edge of the tub , keeps a hold of [me]0-i . Then bends down to open the faucets . Water pours into the tub and steam rises , warm against [my]0-i back . [He]1188-he wraps [my]0-i arms around [his]1188-he waist and [his]1188-he thick dick nudges against [my]0-i neck . If [I]0-i turn [my]0-i head , [I]0-i can open [my]0-i mouth and take [him]1188-he in , and — [He]1188-he cups [my]0-i cheek , " There ’s time for that later . "[1188-he] [Jesus]98-jesus . What ? [He]1188-he can read [my]0-i mind now ? Heat flushes [my]0-i cheeks again . This is not [me]0-i … really — blushing , crying , collapsing at [his]1188-he feet like [a complete idiot]1198-a complete idiot . [God]66-god ! The hell is wrong with [me]0-i ? [I]0-i tip [my]0-i chin up , " Do n’t think that [you]1188-he have broken [me]0-i . "[0-i] [His]1188-he lips curve , " Oh ! Trust [me]1188-he , [you]0-i will , and when [you]0-i do . "[1188-he] [He]1188-he kisses [my]0-i forehead , " [I]1188-he 'm going to enjoy building [you]0-i up again . "[1188-he] [I]0-i swallow . The warmth in [his]1188-he gaze , OMG ... [my]0-i heart stutters , [my]0-i core pulses . All the pores on [my]0-i skin seem to pop . [He]1188-he whispers [his]1188-he knuckles across [my]0-i jawline , " [You]0-i ’re one heck of [a woman]297-a woman . Has [anyone]280-anyone told [you]0-i that , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[1188-he] [I]0-i flush even more . [My]0-i cheeks must be scarlet by now . [He]1188-he has a habit of reducing [me]0-i to a puddle of gooiness , a trembling mess who has no idea whether [she]1199-she is coming or going , or what the hell [her]1199-she life is all about . Before [I]0-i met [him]1188-he , it had been easy . [I]0-i mean , besides losing [[my]0-i best friend]1200-my best friend to [the Mafia]314-the mafia . [I]0-i had set out to save [[my]0-i friend]226-my friend and had landed directly in [his]1188-he grasp ; one [I]0-i am in no hurry to evade . Not yet . Just for a few hours , a few days , ca n’t [I]0-i pretend that all this is real ? The way [he]1188-he regards [me]0-i with tenderness in [his]1188-he eyes , how [he]1188-he scans [my]0-i features as if to make sure that [I]0-i am okay . How [he]1188-he rubs [his]1188-he thumb across [my]0-i lower lip , then bends to kiss [me]0-i . A brush of [his]1188-he lips — soft , barely there , a feather - light whisper of emotion that dances over [my]0-i skin , sinks into [my]0-i blood , warms the space around [my]0-i heart , melting the barriers [I]0-i ’d built up against [him]1188-he , against [the world]212-the world , against anything that could hurt [me]0-i . " [Saint]47-saint[I]1188-he need to tell [you]47-saint something . "[1188-he] " Shh ! "[1188-he] [He]1188-he deepens the kiss . Nips on [my]0-i lower lip , swipes [his]1188-he tongue across [my]0-i mouth with such intensity that [I]0-i melt … [I]0-i ooze into a puddle at [his]1188-he feet . [He]1188-he leans back and [I]0-i sway toward [him]1188-he . " Later , "[1188-he] [he]1188-he chuckles . Then leans past [me]0-i to empty a bottle of something into the tub . The scent of roses , lavender , and something spicy fills the air . [I]0-i sniff it . " That ’s a very feminine bath product [you]1188-he have there . "[0-i] " It ’s for [you]47-saint . "[1188-he] " Oh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i squint up at [him]1188-he . " Were [you]1188-he that sure that [I]0-i ’d end up here in [[your]1188-he suite]2718-your suite ? ’ [He]1188-he hesitates , then reaches for [my]0-i left hand . [He]1188-he twines [his]1188-he fingers with [mine]0-i , rubs [his]1188-he thumb across the wedding ring … [my]0-i wedding ring , the one [he]1188-he gave [me]0-i . Which belonged to [[his]1188-he mother]2719-his mother . [My]0-i heart stutters . A warmth coils against [my]0-i rib cage . The pressure builds again behind [my]0-i eyes and [I]0-i sniffle . "[0-i] Hey . " [He]1188-he places [his]1188-he other knuckle under [my]0-i chin . "[0-i] Waterworks again ? " "[0-i] [No one]2059-no one ’s more surprised about this than [me]0-i . " [I]2059-no one swallow down the lump that crowds [my]2059-no one throat . "[2059-no one] [I]0-i ’ve never once , not in the past many years , broken down like this . " Silence descends . [I]2059-no one glance up , survey [his]1188-he features . [His]1188-he face is expressionless . "[2059-no one] [You]0-i do n’t believe [me]0-i ? " [I]0-i wipe the back of [my]0-i hand over [my]0-i nose . "[0-i] Oh , but [I]0-i do . " [He]1188-he frowns . "[0-i] [You]0-i have a strong will behind that fragile exterior . It ’s what attracted [me]0-i to [you]0-i from the beginning . " "[0-i] Because [I]0-i was a challenge ? " "[0-i] Not only . " [He]1188-he scans [my]0-i flushed face , [my]0-i hard nipples , down to the triangle between [my]0-i legs . "[0-i] [You]0-i were a riddle [I]0-i wanted to solve . Tough , yet hurting ; sensitive , yet so prickly . Soft skin that hides a myriad of conflicting emotions . " [He]1188-he places [his]1188-he hand over [my]53-gigi heart . "[53-gigi] That push - pull inside of [you]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi , it ’s a fucking potent force . It makes [me]0-i want to pull [you]0-i apart , piece by fucking piece to find out everything about [you]0-i … Taking [my]0-i time over it as [I]0-i tease multiple orgasms out of [you]0-i , and have [you]0-i trembling , shivering , pleading with [me]0-i to stop , and even then [I]0-i won’t … not until [you]0-i forget about everything except [us]1205-us ; except for the lust that strums between [us]1205-us , the sensations that spark between [us]1205-us when [we]1205-us are together , the pull that ties [us]1205-us when [we]1205-us are apart — when — " [I]47-saint place [my]47-saint hand on [his]47-saint mouth . "[47-saint] Stop , " [I]47-saint whisper , "[47-saint] [I]0-i can’t … take more of this ; it’s … too soon , [Saint]47-saint . " [He]47-saint takes in [my]47-saint features , peers into [my]47-saint eyes , then nods . "[47-saint] Later , then . " [He]47-saint lowers [his]47-saint head and brushes [his]47-saint lips over [my]47-saint forehead . "[47-saint] For now , let ’s enjoy [our]1205-us bath , shall [we]1205-us ? " [He]47-saint holds out [his]47-saint hand , so gentlemanly , the gesture so different from how [he]47-saint 's acted so far with [me]1206-me that [I]1206-me blink . And , hold on , had [he]47-saint kissed [me]1206-me earlier , on [my]1206-me forehead ? A peck , with something resembling affection ? [My]1206-me head spins . [I]1206-me grab at [his]47-saint hip . "[1206-me] [You]1206-me okay ? " [He]47-saint scoops [me]53-gigi up in [his]47-saint arms again , bridal style . "[53-gigi] [Gigi]53-gigi ? " [I]108-victoria blink , stare as [his]47-saint features fade in and out in front of [my]108-victoria eyes . "[108-victoria] [Victoria]108-victoria . " [His]47-saint voice snaps through [my]0-i head . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin . "[0-i] [I]0-i[I]0-i ’m a little befuddled . " "[0-i] Tell [me]0-i about it , " [he]47-saint chuckles . "[0-i] It ’s not like [me]0-i , to fall asleep so soon after making love . " "[0-i] What do [you]0-i mean ? " [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i eyebrows together . [He]47-saint steps into the bath tub — still wearing [his]47-saint socks , [huh?—then]122-huh?—then lowers [himself]47-saint into the massive tub that ’s big enough for [five people]2720-five people . [He]47-saint settles [me]0-i on [his]47-saint chest . "[0-i] [I]0-i had n’t intended to black out that quickly after [our]1207-our love - making . " "[0-i] That … " [I]0-i stab a finger in [his]47-saint direction . "[0-i] Why do [you]0-i insist on using that phrase ? " "[0-i] Which one . " "[0-i] Do n’t pretend . " "[0-i] No , really . " [He]47-saint scoops up some water , pours it over [my]0-i shoulders . "[0-i] Please do clarify what seems so wrong with what [I]0-i said . " "[0-i] [You]0-i said love - making , not fucking , or shagging , or screwing or any of the other ways [you]0-i could have expressed [yourself]0-i . [He]0-i raises [his]0-i shoulders and lets them drop . " [Semantics]123-semantics , [[my]0-i lovely girl]2721-my lovely girl . "[0-i] [He]0-i pours out some shampoo and proceeds to work it through [my]0-i tresses , " If [you]0-i prefer it though , [I]0-i could say fucking . "[0-i] [My]0-i belly flips - flops . " Or shagging . "[0-i] [I]0-i wriggle [my]0-i hips . " Or screwing , "[0-i] [his]0-i voice lowers to a hush . [My]0-i nerve endings spark . [My]0-i sex clenches , the emptiness inside of [me]0-i yawning , stretching and coming back to life . Why is it that the filthiest words from [his]0-i mouth turn into weapons of seduction ? Why does it sound so damn hot coming from [him]0-i ? On the other hand , it is a relief . This alphaholish behavior ? That ’s the side of [Saint]47-saint that is familiar , the one [I]0-i can handle . " Not fair , "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . " With that voice of [yours]0-i , [you]0-i could literally talk [me]0-i into an orgasm . "[0-i] [His]0-i eyes gleam . [I]0-i wave [my]0-i hand in the air , " Ca n’t believe [I]0-i said that . Like [your]0-i ego needs any more stroking . "[0-i] [He]0-i pushes up [his]0-i pelvis and [his]0-i dick throbs against [my]0-i hip . " That ’s not what needs stroking . "[0-i] " Oh , [my]0-i God ! "[0-i] [I]0-i push up , or try to — for [he]0-i simply wraps [his]0-i large arms around [my]0-i waist , and holds [me]0-i in place . " Where do [you]0-i think [you]0-i ’re [you]0-i going ? "[0-i] " To get dressed . "[0-i] " Not happening . "[0-i] " Why … ? "[0-i] " Why not ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i[I]0-i need some space . "[0-i] " Not happening either . "[0-i] [I]0-i exhale a breath , then turn to scowl at [him]0-i , " [Saint]47-saint , really , [you]0-i are [a confusing man]2722-a confusing man . Has [anyone]280-anyone told [you]0-i that ? "[0-i] " [Me]0-i ? "[0-i] [He]0-i leans back against the bath tub . [His]0-i biceps bulge with the motion . Hard , thick , ropey … like other parts of [him]0-i . Jeez , get [your]1208-your brain out of the gutter . [You]1208-your ’ re accusing [him]0-i of having a one - track mind ? " Is there anyone else here with [us]2724-us ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . " [You]0-i tell [me]0-i . "[0-i] [His]0-i features form into that mask [I]0-i am coming to hate . The one that says : gone is [the warm , caring , easy - to - get - along - with man [I]0-i ’d briefly witnessed]1209-the warm , caring , easy - to - get - along - with man i ’d briefly witnessed , leaving behind the one [I]0-i hate … And lust after , since the moment [I]0-i ’d met [him]0-i . No … Not true , [I]0-i ’d lust after [him]0-i in any … and every form . Goosebumps dot on [my]0-i skin . [I]0-i fold [my]0-i arms around [my]0-i waist . " What ’s that supposed to mean ? "[0-i] [My]0-i words stay suspended between [us]1210-us for a second . [He]0-i holds [my]0-i gaze , peruses [my]0-i features , then runs a hand through [his]0-i hair . " [Adam Rhodes]43-adam . "[0-i] Of course . [I]0-i glance away . [He]0-i reaches down , runs [his]0-i big hand across the flesh of [my]0-i upper arms . Warmth seeps into [my]0-i blood instantly — insidious , seductive , pulling [me]0-i , grounding [me]0-i , anchoring [me]0-i to [him]0-i . Shit . [I]0-i pull away . [He]0-i releases [me]0-i . " [You]0-i were married to [him]0-i , but ... "[0-i] [He]0-i seems to hesitate . Huh , [Saint]47-saint ? Uncertain about something ? [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head . " [You]0-i want to know why [I]0-i was [a virgin]1157-a virgin ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . A nerve throbs at [his]0-i temple . [He]0-i does n’t reply . Does n’t say a word . Watches [me]0-i intently . Waiting … waiting … The silence stretches for a beat . A bead of sweat crawls down [my]0-i temple . [His]0-i jaw tics . [My]0-i nerves stretch , [my]0-i belly trembles , and [I]0-i firm [my]0-i lips , " It was n’t a marriage at all , [we]2726-we were each playing a role . "[0-i] " Clearly . "[0-i] [I]0-i wince at the bite in [his]0-i voice . " [He]0-i[he]0-i was n’t [a bad man]2727-a bad man , "[0-i] [I]0-i say . " And there was no sexual relationship between [the two of [you]0-i]483-the two of you ? "[0-i] " [He]0-i[I]0-i[We]2726-we agreed to keep it platonic . [He]0-i needed [a woman]297-a woman on [his]0-i arm . [I]0-i needed … "[0-i] [I]0-i bite [my]0-i lip . [I]0-i turn away . This time [he]0-i reaches out and pinches [my]0-i chin , " Tell [me]0-i . Do n’t hold back now . "[0-i] [His]0-i jaw tics . A dense wave of anger spools off of [him]0-i . " Security . It was an arrangement , that 's all . "[0-i] [My]0-i nerve endings crackle . " [You]0-i have nothing to be jealous of , "[0-i] [I]0-i mumble . " [We]2726-we were only married for a month . "[0-i] " [You]0-i did n't love [him]0-i , yet [you]0-i married [him]0-i . Makes [me]0-i wonder what hold [he]0-i had on [you]0-i . "[0-i] [His]0-i grip turns punishing . [I]0-i wince , but do n’t pull away . The pain [he]0-i inflicts is a reminder that [I]0-i am alive … So is [he]0-i . There is hope for both of [us]1211-us[I]0-i just need to make it right by [him]0-i … while figuring out how to also rescue [Nina]52-nina . This is the perfect moment to tell [him]0-i why [you]1212-you are here . Confess it . Win [his]0-i trust ... And what if [he]0-i hates [me]0-i for it ? Worse , what if [the Mafia]314-the mafia finds out ? There is no telling what [they]314-the mafia 'd do to [Nina]52-nina if that happened . [I]0-i bite the inside of [my]0-i cheek . [I]0-i ca n't betray [her]52-nina . [I]0-i have to keep up the pretense . " No hold , [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i lie , " other than the kind [a man with money]2730-a man with money has over [a woman who needs security]2731-a woman who needs security . "[0-i] " Is that important to [you]47-saint , [Gigi]53-gigi ? Security ? "[0-i] [He]0-i drags [his]0-i hand down [my]0-i arm , until [his]0-i fingers brush the ring on [my]0-i left hand . [I]0-i glance down at the emerald winking against the bubbles . " Sure , "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " [You]47-saint ’ve always had money . [You]47-saint did n’t have to scrimp and save for small treats , or watch [[your]47-saint mother]2732-your mother work two jobs to support [you]47-saint , or work [your]47-saint butt off to win a scholarship to college . [You]47-saint 're not the one who was left alone when [[your]47-saint mother]2732-your mother died , then meeting [the one person who became [[your]47-saint best friend]2735-your best friend only to lose [her]52-nina]2734-the one person who became your best friend only to lose her ; [you]47-saint are n't at the mercy of — "[0-i] [I]0-i twist [my]0-i lips . Shit , what is wrong with [me]0-i ? Why does [he]1214-his always catch [me]0-i unawares ? [I]0-i almost blurted out everything that happened to [Nina]52-nina ... to [me]0-i . Dammit . " Mercy of ... ? [he]1214-his tilts [his]1214-his head . "[0-i] Mercy of fate , of course . [We]1215-we can plan all [we]1215-we want , but life takes [us]1215-we in directions [we]1215-we ’d never intended to go . " [He]1214-his lifts [his]1214-his other hand in the air , twirls [his]1214-his finger , "[0-i] [You]0-i mean like this . " [I]0-i glance around [the massive bathroom that is three times the size of the room in which [I]0-i had grown up]2736-the massive bathroom that is three times the size of the room in which i had grown up . "[0-i] Exactly . " [I]0-i turn to glance at [him]1214-his . [He]1214-his lowers [his]1214-his arm , slides [his]1214-his hand between [my]0-i legs , inserts two fingers inside of [me]0-i . [I]0-i shudder . [He]1214-his hooks [his]1214-his fingers , and [I]0-i ca n’t stop [my]0-i internal muscles from clamping down on [him]1214-his . A shiver of lust crawls up [my]0-i spine and [my]0-i breathing goes ragged . [I]0-i half close [my]0-i eyes , take in [his]1214-his features . [He]1214-his watches [me]0-i with curiosity , a hunger in [his]1214-his eyes , [his]1214-his lips pressed together as if intent on the task at hand . [He]1214-his twists [my]0-i arm around [my]0-i back , so [my]0-i chest is pushed forward . [My]0-i breath trembles and [my]0-i nipples pucker to hard points . [I]0-i wiggle , lean in , needing [him]1214-his to close [his]1214-his mouth around them . [He]1214-his holds [me]0-i in place . "[0-i] [You]1216-you still sore ? " [His]1214-his voice fades in and out of [my]108-victoria hearing . [I]108-victoria focus on [his]1214-his fingers sliding in and out of [me]108-victoria — soft , gentle . Christ , [he]1214-his does n’t have a tender bone in [his]1214-his entire body , yet there is no mistaking the barely imperceptible movements of [his]1214-his digits inside of [me]108-victoria . [I]108-victoria draw in a breath , and [his]1214-his scent , dark and edgy — now laced with roses , which only heightens the pheromone - laced impact of [his]1214-his essence — goes straight to [my]108-victoria head . [My]108-victoria head spins . [My]108-victoria eyelids flutter shut . "[108-victoria] [Victoria]108-victoria ? " [His]1214-his voice seems to come from far away . "[53-gigi] [Gigi]53-gigi ? " [His]1214-his breath whispers over [my]53-gigi cheek . "[53-gigi] [You]108-victoria okay ? " [His]1214-his lips quirk . [I]53-gigi nod . "[53-gigi] Are [you]108-victoria sore ? " [I]108-victoria nod again . [He]1214-his ceases that beautiful friction , withdraws [his]1214-his hand . "[108-victoria] No . " [I]108-victoria force [my]108-victoria eyelids open , "[108-victoria] [I]0-i mean , [I]0-i am sore , but not tha - a - t sore . " "[108-victoria] Ah , " [his]1214-his lips twitch . A flush creeps up [my]108-victoria throat , but damn that . [I]108-victoria want [his]1214-his fingers back inside of [me]108-victoria . Want [him]1214-his to do all of those things [he]1214-his ’s been hinting at over the past few weeks . "[108-victoria] [You]108-victoria asked what [I]0-i needed , [Saint]47-saint ? " [His]1214-his gaze narrows . [He]1214-his looks down [his]1214-his patrician nose , the skin stretching tight over [his]1214-his cheekbones . [He]1214-his jerks [his]1214-his chin . [I]108-victoria raise [my]108-victoria head , "[108-victoria] [I]0-i want [you]47-saint to fuck [me]0-i like [you]47-saint do n’t care about [me]0-i . Can [you]47-saint do that ? Can [you]47-saint screw [me]0-i without mercy ? "[47-saint]

31

[Saint]47-saint

Fuck , bloody , fuck . [She]1217-her is hiding something from [me]0-i . It ’s there in the curve of [her]1217-her cheek , the angle of [her]1217-her chin , in how [she]1217-her lowers [her]1217-her eyelids to stop [me]0-i from reading the emotions that claw at [her]1217-her . In how [she]1217-her wraps [her]1217-her hand around [my]0-i neck and leans in close enough for [our]1218-our eyelashes to tangle . In what [she]1217-her asks [me]0-i to do , " Will [you]0-i do this for [me]1217-her , [Saint]47-saint ? "[1217-her] " No . "[0-i] [I]0-i reply . [She]1217-her pales . [Her]1217-her chin wobbles . Then [she]1217-her firms [her]1217-her lips and retreats . [I]0-i swoop out [my]0-i hand , grab the back of [her]1217-her neck . " [I]0-i am going to make love to [you]1217-her instead . "[0-i] [Her]1217-her gaze widens . [Her]1217-her pupils dilate . [She]1217-her opens and closes [her]1217-her mouth , " [I]1217-her[I]1217-her … don’t think [you]0-i should do that . "[1217-her] " Why not ? "[1217-her] " It could … uh … lead to complications . "[1217-her] " This is already far from simple . "[1217-her] [Her]1217-her neck is so fragile that [my]0-i fingers meet around the front of [her]1217-her neck . " It ’s not what [I]1217-her want . "[1217-her] " [You]0-i lying to [me]1217-her ? "[1217-her] [She]1217-her chews on the inside of [her]1217-her cheek . " [I]1217-her am not going to admit the truth to [you]0-i . "[1217-her] " [I]0-i ’ll get it out of [you]1217-her yet . "[0-i] [I]0-i haul [her]1217-her close . Graze the heel of [my]0-i palm over [her]1217-her pussy . Gently , gently . Do n’t want to hurt [her]1217-her more than [I]0-i already have now . F - u - c - k. [This entire emo mindset]1219-this entire emo mindset is going to take some getting used to . [She]1217-her whines , and [I]0-i ca n’t stop [my]0-i lips from curving . " [You]1217-her like that , hmm ? "[0-i] [She]1217-her opens and shuts [her]1217-her mouth , " [Saint]47-saint . "[1217-her] [My]0-i name from [her]1217-her lips sounds like a whispered prayer . [I]0-i close the distance between [us]1220-us , " [You]1217-her wanna come for [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[0-i] [She]1217-her nods . [I]0-i swipe [my]0-i thumb between [her]1217-her lower lips and [her]1217-her body shudders . [Her]1217-her hand on [my]0-i shoulder spasms , [she]1217-her digs [her]1217-her fingers into [my]0-i skin , attempts to pull [herself]1217-her closer , to impale [herself]1217-her on [my]0-i fingers . " First , answer this riddle . "[1217-her] " What ? "[1217-her] [she]1217-her blinks . " Would [you]0-i rather have a hamster or a cat ? "[1217-her] " Is that a trick question ? "[1217-her] " Answer [me]1217-her , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1217-her] " A cat . "[1217-her] " What would [you]0-i call [him]2737-him or [her]2738-her ? "[1217-her] " [You]0-i ’re asking [me]1217-her this … now ? "[1217-her] " No better time to get to know [you]0-i than when [I]1217-her have [my]1217-her fingers inside of [you]1217-her , hmm ? "[1217-her] [I]0-i press [my]0-i thumb into the bud of [her]1217-her clit . [She]1217-her stutters . " What ’s that ? "[1217-her] [I]0-i slide [my]0-i finger in and out of [her]1217-her again ; [she]1217-her groans . " What ’s the name [you]0-i ’d choose ? "[1217-her] " [Cats]124-cats , "[1217-her] [she]1217-her gasps . " [I]1217-her ’ve always wanted to own two cats . [I]1217-her ’d call them Salt and Pepper . "[1217-her] [I]0-i frown , " Like [that crazy cat - obsessed fucker [Lennon]84-lennon]2739-that crazy cat - obsessed fucker lennon did ? "[0-i] [She]1217-her blinks . " How the hell do [you]0-i know that ? Have [you]0-i been reading up on The Beatles ? "[1217-her] " [You]0-i know what [they]2740-they say — nothing like knowing everything about [[your]0-i enemy]2741-your enemy to get the better of [them]2740-they . Knowledge is power , and all that . "[0-i] " And [you]0-i , have [you]0-i ever had [a pet]324-a pet ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i do n’t get to ask the questions . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her pouts , " That ’s not an answer . "[1217-her] " It ’s the only one [you]0-i ’re getting . "[0-i] [I]0-i twist [my]0-i fingers inside of [her]1217-her and [her]1217-her entire body bucks . " Oh … [Saint]47-saint … Oh , [I]0-i ’m … "[0-i] " Come for [me]1217-her , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her opens [her]1217-her mouth and a low wail keens from [her]1217-her . [I]0-i withdraw [my]0-i fingers , bring [my]0-i mouth to [hers]1217-her , " How do [you]1217-her feel ? "[0-i] " Knackered , "[1217-her] [she]1217-her whispers , then yawns . " Good . "[1217-her] Keeping [her]1217-her in [my]0-i arms , [I]0-i rise up and step out of the bath tub . Walking over to where the towels are stacked on a shelf , [I]0-i lower [her]1217-her to [her]1217-her feet . [She]1217-her winds [her]1217-her fingers around [my]0-i waist as [I]0-i pull out a large towel and dry [her]1217-her off first , then [myself]0-i . [I]0-i scoop [her]1217-her up and march over to the bed , lower [her]1217-her to the mattress . Sinking down next to [her]1217-her , [I]0-i draw the sheets over [us]1221-us , before tucking [her]1217-her into [my]0-i chest . When was the last time [I]0-i spooned [someone]236-someone this way ? Never … Yeah , that ’s the honest answer . So why [her]1217-her ? Why [this woman who holds a piece of the puzzle of who was behind the incident that turned the lives of the seven of [us]1221-us]1223-this woman who holds a piece of the puzzle of who was behind the incident that turned the lives of the seven of us upside down ? Why [her]1217-her ? Why [me]0-i ? Why this strange obsession with [her]1217-her that is quickly turning out to be a fixation ? " [Saint]47-saint ? "[1217-her] [her]1217-her husky voice reaches [me]0-i . " Hmm ? "[1217-her] " Can [I]1217-her ask [you]47-saint a riddle of [my]1217-her own ? "[1217-her] Nope . Never . [I]0-i ’d sworn never to allow [another]224-another to question [me]0-i . To trick [me]0-i again . To trap [me]0-i into revealing more than [I]0-i should , to stepping into a situation which could lead to [my]0-i demise . Perhaps it is the sex … Or the fact that [she]1217-her has crept under [my]0-i skin , or that the fucking has completely undermined [my]0-i barriers … but hell … Answering one question would n’t matter , right ? [I]0-i mean , what do [I]0-i have to lose , hmm ? Maybe it is the false sense of security that having [[my]0-i wife]851-my wife in [my]0-i arms seems to envelop [me]0-i in , which allows [me]0-i to comply with [her]1217-her wishes . This once . " What do [you]1217-her want to know ? "[1217-her] [She]1217-her remains silent for so long , [I]0-i am certain [she]1217-her ’s fallen sleep . [Her]1217-her breathing grows steady , [her]1217-her muscles relax , [her]1217-her body twitches as [she]1217-her settles into [me]0-i . [I]0-i tuck [her]1217-her head under [my]0-i chin , wrap [my]0-i hand around [her]1217-her waist , [my]0-i palm coming to rest over [her]1217-her pussy … [[my]0-i favorite place]1226-my favorite place . Yeah , that ’s how much of a goner [I]0-i am . Maybe there is something in this marriage thing , after all ? Something like , announcing [your]1227-your intention to [the world]212-the world ensures that [you]1227-your follow through on [your]1227-your word … or … the fact that [I]0-i had been [her]1217-her first . [Her]1217-her fucking first . [I]0-i should n’t care , but fuck … How could [she]1217-her have been [a virgin]1157-a virgin ? Surely , [she]1217-her would have had [partners]1230-partners before [me]0-i ? Not that [she]1217-her was inexperienced either . [She]1217-her ’d enjoyed the sex , had n’t shied away from it … So what is [she]1217-her hiding from [me]0-i ? [I]0-i wind [my]0-i fingers across [her]1217-her now - drying hair , and smooth it about [her]1217-her shoulders . " [My]0-i question is … "[0-i] [I]0-i pause . " Would [you]1217-her rather have [a baby]321-a baby of [your]1217-her own or would [you]1217-her baby - sit ? "[0-i] [My]0-i heartbeat ratchets up , " The fuck kind of question is that ? "[0-i] " Forget it , "[1217-her] [she]1217-her mumbles . " [I]1217-her have no idea what prompted that question anyway . It ’s not like it matters . Not like this … thing between [us]2744-us is real or anything . It ’s a means for [you]1217-her to get what [you]1217-her want , right ? "[1217-her] " [The man who came to see [you]1217-her earlier]2745-the man who came to see you earlier[He]2745-the man who came to see you earlier was n’t [[your]1217-her lover]2746-your lover ? "[1217-her] " No , "[1217-her] [she]1217-her shakes [her]1217-her head . " So [he]2745-the man who came to see you earlier was … "[1217-her] " [My]1217-her contact with [the Mafia]314-the mafia ... [[My]1217-her handler]2748-my handler . "[1217-her] [I]0-i still [my]0-i hand . " [The Mafia]21-the mafia planted [me]0-i to play the role of [[Adam]43-adam ’s wife]2653-adam ’s wife . "[0-i] [She]1217-her turns in [my]0-i arms , [her]1217-her lips swollen from [my]0-i kisses , [her]1217-her cheeks flushed from the hot bath . " But [you]0-i knew that already . "[0-i] [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head . Should [I]0-i reveal how much [I]0-i know ? Has [she]1217-her guessed how much [I]0-i ’ve already uncovered about [her]1217-her past ? " Go on . "[0-i] [I]0-i pull back [my]0-i arm . [She]1217-her shivers and [I]0-i pull the blanket up to [her]1217-her ears . " [They]2750-they[they]2750-they wanted [me]0-i to keep an eye on [him]2751-him . "[0-i] " [Adam]43-adam knew about it ? "[1217-her] [She]1217-her nods , " [He]43-adam had no choice , but to accept that [I]1217-her was reporting on [his]2751-him activities back to [the Mafia]314-the mafia . "[1217-her] " And [you]1217-her , [Gigi]53-gigi ? Did [you]1217-her have a choice ? "[1217-her] " It … it is n’t that simple . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her licks [her]1217-her lips , brings [her]1217-her hand up to chew on [her]1217-her nails . [I]0-i weave [my]0-i fingers with [hers]1217-her , pull it down between [us]1231-us . " It really is . Tell [me]0-i what [they]314-the mafia have on [you]1217-her and let [me]0-i help [you]1217-her . "[0-i] " Is saving damsels in distress [your]1217-her specialty ? "[1217-her] [she]1217-her asks . " [I]1217-her ’m [no fucking white knight]2753-no fucking white knight , and [you]0-i know it . "[1217-her] " [You]1217-her ’re also not as much of [an asshole]2118-an asshole as [you]1217-her make [yourself]1217-her out to be , "[1217-her] [she]1217-her muses . " Each of [us]1231-us have the stories [we]1231-us tell [ourselves]1231-us , and the masks [we]1231-us put on to face [the world]212-the world , "[0-i] [I]0-i answer . " And [you]1217-her , [Saint]2364-saint , what ’s the persona [you]1217-her ’ve bought into ? "[0-i] [I]0-i allow [my]0-i lips to kick up , " [I]0-i am not the one with the agenda here . "[0-i] [She]1217-her pales , turns away from [me]0-i . [I]0-i tug on [her]1217-her hand so [she]1217-her has no choice but to stay facing [me]0-i . " Do n’t push [me]0-i away , [Victoria]108-victoria . This is [our]2757-our chance to come clean so [we]2757-our can make a fresh start of it . "[0-i] " Is that what [you]0-i ’re offering ? "[0-i] [I]0-i hold up [her]1217-her hand with the emerald ring glittering on it . " Is n’t this proof enough ? "[0-i] " Is that why [you]0-i gave [me]0-i [[your]0-i mother]2732-your mother ’s ring ? "[0-i] " Not only . "[0-i] [I]0-i run [my]0-i thumb across the smooth surface . " It felt right . When [my]0-i instinct points [me]0-i in a particular direction , [I]0-i follow it . "[0-i] " What does [your]0-i instinct say about [me]1217-her ? "[1217-her] [She]1217-her lowers [her]1217-her chin , peers up at [me]0-i from under [her]1217-her eyelashes . That green gaze of [hers]1217-her deepens , stormy emotions caught in their depths . " [My]1217-her head says that [I]1217-her should n’t trust [you]0-i . "[1217-her] The remaining color leaches from [her]1217-her cheeks . " Let [me]1217-her go . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her yanks at [her]1217-her hand , but [I]0-i do n’t release it . [I]0-i use the leverage to haul [her]1217-her into [my]0-i chest . " [My]0-i instinct says to ignore what [my]0-i logical mind is pointing out to [me]0-i — that [you]0-i are dangerous , that for both of [our]2759-our sakes , [I]0-i should walk away from [you]0-i , that if [I]0-i were [a betting man]2760-a betting man , [I]0-i should cash in [my]0-i chips and leave , that [you]0-i are a riddle with more than one answer as a solution . Too bad , when it comes to [you]0-i … "[0-i] [I]0-i search [her]1217-her features , take in the hollows under [her]1217-her eyes , the sharp jut of [her]1217-her cheeks , " [I]1217-her have no choice but to follow [my]1217-her heart , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her bites on [her]1217-her lower lip , " [I]1217-her[I]1217-her am not sure what that means . "[1217-her] " It means … "[0-i] [I]0-i cup [her]1217-her chin , " why do n’t [we]2761-we trade secrets , hmm ? Hell , [I]0-i ’ll even start with answering [your]1217-her question … "[0-i] The fuck . Am [I]0-i actually going to do this ? " What ’s [your]1217-her answer ? "[1217-her] The skin around [her]1217-her eyes creases . " That [I]1217-her want neither . "[1217-her] [I]0-i set [my]0-i jaw . " [I]0-i do n’t intend to have [children]2511-children , and hell , [I]0-i ’m definitely not qualified to be [a babysitter]2763-a babysitter . "[0-i] [She]1217-her pales . " Does that disappoint [you]1217-her ? "[1217-her] [I]0-i search [her]1217-her features . [Her]1217-her lips turn down , then [she]1217-her tips up [her]1217-her chin . " It ’s what [I]1217-her expected . Besides , it was a hypothetical question . "[1217-her] " Good , then [you]1217-her wo n’t mind if [I]1217-her ask [you]1217-her another . "[1217-her] [Her]1217-her eyebrows knit together , " What ? "[1217-her] " Why did [you]1217-her ask to become [my]1217-her sub ? [You]1217-her could have approached [me]1217-her with another proposition . So why this ? "[1217-her] [She]1217-her draws in a breath , " [I]1217-her researched [you]0-i , found out about [your]0-i tastes , about [some of [the other women]480-the other women]2764-some of the other women . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her flushes . Something hot blooms in [my]0-i chest , " Does that make [you]0-i jealous , [Gigi]53-gigi , imagining [me]0-i with [another woman]2766-another woman ? "[0-i] [She]1217-her tips [her]1217-her chin up , " [You]0-i know it does . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her places [her]1217-her hand over [my]0-i cock , “ And if [you]0-i dare look at any of them again , [I]1217-her ’ll … "[1217-her] [She]1217-her squeezes [my]0-i balls . [I]0-i groan … then wince . [Her]1217-her jealousy is a fucking turn on . Does [she]1217-her realize that ? Sweat beads [my]0-i forehead . Heat swarms in a knotted coil at the base of [my]0-i belly , " What else did [you]0-i like about what [you]0-i saw ? "[1217-her] " [You]0-i ... "[1217-her] [she]1217-her swallows , " [You]0-i had what [I]1217-her was looking for . "[1217-her] " What is that ? "[1217-her] " [You]0-i are [the kind of man who 'd know what [[his]2768-his woman]2769-his woman needs when [she]2769-his woman does n’t . [You]0-i would n't allow [her]2769-his woman pleas to get in the way and that … It ’s not easy]2767-the kind of man who 'd know what his woman needs when she does n’t . you would n't allow her pleas to get in the way and that … it ’s not easy . "[1217-her] " That 's an awful lot [you]1217-her are supposing , "[0-i] [I]0-i smirk . " [I]0-i followed [my]0-i instincts . "[0-i] [Her]1217-her lips quirk . The band around [my]0-i chest tightens . [This woman]299-this woman ... [She]299-this woman is fucking strong ... That sassy side of [her]299-this woman ? Surely , it will be [my]0-i downfall . " And what do [your]1217-her instincts say now ? "[0-i] [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head . " That [you]1217-her know what 's best for [me]0-i . "[0-i] [She]1217-her squeezes [her]1217-her hand around [my]0-i erect cock and blood rushes to [my]0-i groin . " The things [you]1217-her do to [me]1217-her when [you]1217-her say that . "[1217-her] [I]0-i groan . [My]0-i heart begins to race . " But , [you]1217-her need to recover first . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her shakes [her]1217-her head . " Later . [I]1217-her need [this Saint]2457-this saint . [I]1217-her do . "[1217-her] [I]0-i draw in a breath , " One more question , then . "[0-i] " But ... "[1217-her] " [You]1217-her ask . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her rubs [her]1217-her cheek into the pillow , [her]1217-her fingers rubbing across the swollen head of [my]0-i shaft . " [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1217-her] " [Saint]47-saint ? "[1217-her] " Ask [your]1217-her question . "[1217-her] " Why do [you]1217-her live in [hotels]591-hotels ? Why does n’t [a man like [you]1217-her]2772-a man like you not have [a mansion of [your]1217-her own]2773-a mansion of your own ? "[1217-her] " [You]1217-her heard about that ? "[1217-her] " [Summer]44-summer may have mentioned it . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her flushes but does n’t back down , " Will [you]0-i answer that ? "[1217-her] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders , " It 's too much of a commitment to have [a place of [my]0-i own]2774-a place of my own . Besides , given [the hotel chains [I]0-i run]2775-the hotel chains i run , it seems like a waste not to use [the facilities [they]2775-the hotel chains i run afford [me]0-i]2776-the facilities they afford me . "[0-i] [I]0-i twist [my]0-i lips . " Nothing like keeping [the staff]2624-the staff on [their]2624-the staff toes … Every time [I]0-i stay in [a hotel]825-a hotel , [I]0-i force [the management]1128-the management to up [their]1128-the management game . "[0-i] Will [she]1217-her believe [me]0-i ? Can [she]1217-her look past the obvious to what [I]0-i ’m not saying ? [She]1217-her frowns , then jerks [her]1217-her chin , " Guess it makes sense . "[1217-her] [My]0-i ribcage feels too tight . Ca n’t [she]1217-her look past the front [I]0-i am putting up ? Fuck that . [I]0-i had been happy this far , had figured out how to make the most of the cards [I]0-i had been handed . Had even managed to find a balance of sorts , thanks to [my]0-i more extreme tastes . Why did [she]1217-her have to come along and disturb that ? Why does [she]1217-her make [me]0-i yearn for more ? Bloody hell . [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . One more chance . Give [her]1217-her one more chance to reveal the truth . Say it , [Gigi]53-gigi . Tell [me]0-i why [you]53-gigi ’re really here . Confess it and [I]0-i ’ll do what is needed to keep [you]53-gigi safe . [I]0-i ’ll do anything to extricate [you]53-gigi from whatever situation [you]53-gigi ’ve found [yourself]53-gigi in . [She]1217-her twists [her]1217-her fingers around [my]0-i cock . [I]0-i place [my]0-i hand over [hers]1217-her , " [My]0-i turn to ask a question . "[0-i] " Right . "[1217-her] [She]1217-her blinks , squares [her]1217-her shoulders . " [You]0-i ready , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[1217-her] [She]1217-her nods . " Why did [you]53-gigi agree to marry [me]1217-her ? "[1217-her]

32

[Victoria]108-victoria

" It ’s not like [you]0-i gave [me]0-i a choice ? "[0-i] [I]0-i set [my]0-i jaw . " [You]0-i could have left , "[0-i] [he]0-i retorts . " It 's not like [I]0-i was holding [you]0-i captive . "[0-i] " Were n’t [you]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i massage [his]0-i balls , squeeze the base of [his]0-i cock at the same time . " F - u - c - k. "[0-i] Color flushes [his]0-i cheeks . [His]0-i blue eyes deepen into the color of azure . [His]0-i fingers spasm over [mine]0-i . [He]0-i wraps the fingers of [his]0-i other hand around [my]0-i neck in that possessive grasp [I]0-i ’m coming to recognize . " Who ’s holding [who captive here]2780-who captive here , hmm ? "[0-i] [His]0-i gaze intensifies . [He]0-i releases [his]0-i grip on [my]0-i hand , only to cup [my]0-i pussy . " Tell [me]0-i why [you]0-i agreed to marry [me]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head ; [he]0-i slips three fingers inside [my]0-i cunt at the same time . Omigod ! [My]0-i eyes roll back in [my]0-i head ; [my]0-i grasp on [his]0-i cock tightens . [He]0-i circles [his]0-i thumb around the swollen bud of [my]0-i clit , and [my]0-i entire body bucks . A trembling sweeps up from [my]0-i toes , surges toward [my]0-i womb . [He]0-i pulls out [his]0-i fingers from [my]0-i pussy and [I]0-i whine , " No , goddam [you]0-i , do n’t do this . "[0-i] " [Your]0-i answer , [Gigi]53-gigi , why did [you]0-i marry [me]0-i ? "[0-i] " Because [I]0-i wanted to , [[you]0-i asshole]556-you asshole . "[0-i] [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , " Is that enough for [your]0-i ego ? "[0-i] No . " [My]0-i jaw falls open , "[0-i] [You]0-i ca n’t be serious . " "[0-i] Oh , but [I]0-i am , [[my]0-i darling]1233-my darling . " [His]0-i lips twist , "[0-i] Tell [me]0-i the real reason , and [I]0-i promise [I]0-i ’ll let [you]0-i come . " "[0-i] [You]0-i ’re [an unfeeling brute]1234-an unfeeling brute . " Anger tunnels [my]0-i vision . "[0-i] And [you]0-i ’re a cunt . " [My]0-i pussy instantly clenches . Hell , why do these filthy insults from [him]0-i resonate with that secret part of [me]0-i ? "[0-i] Fuck [you]0-i , [Saint]47-saint , " [I]47-saint snarl . "[47-saint] With pleasure [Gigi]53-gigi , but first , [your]0-i answer . " [I]0-i swallow ; a flush steals up [my]0-i throat . Goddam [him]0-i for forcing [me]0-i to bare the part [I]0-i hate to [him]0-i . "[0-i] After [we]1235-we met , [I]0-i began to fantasize about [you]0-i . " [I]0-i glower at [him]0-i , "[0-i] Once [I]0-i realized the kind of kink [you]0-i indulged in ... it became worse . [My]0-i dreams became steamier . Then [I]0-i stumbled across [that woman]2622-that woman giving [you]0-i head in [[your]0-i office]1237-your office ... and ... " [His]0-i breathing heightens , "[2622-that woman] It turned [you]0-i on ? " [I]2622-that woman nod . "[2622-that woman] When [she]2622-that woman blew [you]0-i , and [you]0-i threw [your]0-i head back , the chords of [your]0-i neck stood out in relief , [your]0-i beautiful chest bathed in sweat , as [you]0-i gripped [her]2622-that woman hair and held [her]2622-that woman in place . [You]0-i fucked [her]2622-that woman face and all [I]0-i could think was ... [I]0-i am going to kill [that bitch]1238-that bitch , [I]0-i swallow , then whisper , “[0-i] and ... " "[0-i] And ? " [His]0-i nostrils flare . "[0-i] And that [I]0-i want that . " [I]0-i swallow . [His]0-i biceps bulge . This was turning [him]0-i on even more , huh ? [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i chin up , push [my]0-i breasts into [his]0-i chest . "[0-i] [I]0-i knew then that [I]0-i needed [you]0-i . [I]0-i yearned for [you]0-i to break [me]0-i , to make [me]0-i forget about everything else , to force [me]0-i to remember only the shape of [your]0-i face , the fullness of [your]0-i dick down [my]0-i throat , the imprint of [your]0-i fingers in [my]0-i cunt as [you]0-i made [me]0-i come . The — " [He]0-i lowers [his]0-i head , blots out the world , then closes [his]0-i mouth over [mine]0-i . [He]0-i robs [me]0-i of [my]0-i breath , [my]0-i words , [my]0-i will to live without [him]0-i . [He]0-i simply takes it all from [me]0-i . [He]0-i fucking absorbs every last thought from [me]0-i . In that moment , [he]0-i makes [me]0-i [his]0-i . [He]0-i flips [me]0-i on [my]0-i back , notches [his]0-i dick at the entrance to [my]0-i pussy , then cups the top of [my]0-i head . Huh ? [He]0-i plunges forward , burying [himself]0-i to the hilt with such force that [my]0-i entire body moves up . [My]0-i head hits [his]0-i palm — Huh . Even in the midst of passion , [he]0-i remembers to stop [me]0-i from hurting [myself]0-i — That ’s so unlike what [I]0-i ’ve come to expect from [this complex male]2782-this complex male . [He]0-i tangles [his]0-i tongue with [mine]0-i , brings [his]0-i other hand down to grip [my]0-i butt . [He]0-i slides [his]0-i thumb into [my]0-i back hole , pulls out and thrusts back inside of [me]0-i . [His]0-i balls slap against [my]0-i tender flesh as [he]0-i fills [me]0-i . [He]0-i impales [me]0-i , fills [me]0-i up , joins [me]0-i to [him]0-i with such intensity that tears spring to [my]0-i eyes . The pressure radiates out from [my]0-i core , up [my]0-i body , toward [my]0-i extremities . Every inch of [my]0-i skin seems to flare with a strange iridescent glow . [My]0-i scalp tingles , [my]0-i toes curl , and [I]0-i arch [my]0-i back , knowing [I]0-i am going to — [He]0-i releases [my]0-i mouth , glares into [my]0-i face , "[0-i] Come for [me]0-i , [wife]1239-wife . " [His]0-i command rips through [me]0-i , hurtling [me]0-i up , up , over the edge . The pressure in [my]0-i chest explodes out ; flashes of white blind [me]0-i . When [I]0-i come to , [he]0-i ’s poised in exactly the same position . "[0-i] Jesus , " [I]0-i croak . "[0-i] [You]1240-his do know that ’s also the name [Lennon]84-lennon gave one of [his]84-lennon cats , right ? " "[84-lennon] What ? " "[84-lennon] Face it , " [he]0-i rubs [his]0-i nose with [mine]0-i . "[84-lennon] [[Your]1239-wife hero]1241-your hero , [John L]125-john l , was [a cat lady]1242-a cat lady in disguise . " A giggle bubbles up [my]1242-a cat lady throat , "[1242-a cat lady] [I]0-i ca n’t believe [you]1240-his ’re telling [me]0-i this … now … when … " [I]1240-his glance down , "[1240-his] when [you]1240-his ’re inside of [me]0-i . " [His]0-i dick lengthens , pushing against [my]1240-his inner walls . Another trembling spirals up from where [he]0-i ’s sheathed inside of [me]1240-his . "[1240-his] What the — ? " "[1239-wife] [You]1239-wife keeping count this time ? " [He]0-i tilts [his]0-i hips and the head of [his]0-i dick brushes against [my]47-saint cervix . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ! ’ " [Gigi]53-gigi , "[1240-his] [he]1240-his leans down and licks [my]0-i lips . " Are [you]1239-wife keeping count ? "[1240-his] " Of what ? "[1240-his] [He]1240-his pulls back , then pounds into [me]0-i , and ohmigod , the climax crashes over [me]0-i . [I]0-i throw back [my]0-i head and a keening cry emerges from [my]0-i lips . Another shudder rolls over [me]0-i , [I]0-i pull back [my]0-i shoulders , thrust [my]0-i pelvis up as liquid heat pools between [my]0-i legs . " How many was that [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[0-i] " What ? "[1240-his] " How many orgasms so far ? "[1240-his] " Two ? "[1240-his] [He]1240-his clicks [his]1240-his tongue . " Let ’s make that three . "[1240-his] [His]1240-his dick thickens inside of [me]0-i . Holy shit , no way is [he]1240-his still erect . [I]0-i force [myself]0-i to focus on [his]1240-his face , [his]1240-his deepening gaze , the dark hair stuck to [his]1240-his forehead , the sheen of sweat that covers [his]1240-his shoulders . [I]0-i dig [my]0-i heels into the backs of [his]1240-his thighs , push [myself]0-i up , and wind [my]0-i arms around [his]1240-his neck . [His]1240-his big body trembles , and [he]1240-his braces [his]1240-his weight on [his]1240-his elbow , then slides a second finger inside [my]0-i back hole . The tension coiled in [his]1240-his muscles vibrates out , the heat from [his]1240-his body intensifies , and [his]1240-his heart beat ratchets up . [I]0-i turn [my]0-i head into the crook of [his]1240-his shoulder , bite down on [his]1240-his skin , and [his]1240-his cock jumps . A shudder grips [his]1240-his body and [his]1240-his hoarse cry fills [my]0-i ears , " Fuck , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1240-his] [His]1240-his entire body stiffens , then [he]1240-his comes , shooting hot streams of cum inside of [me]0-i . [He]1240-his collapses onto [me]0-i , [his]1240-his weight pressing [me]0-i down into the bed . [I]0-i wind [my]0-i limbs around [him]1240-his , lick the blood from the broken skin on [his]1240-his neck . The muscles on [his]1240-his back ripple . [He]1240-his turns and brushes [my]0-i lips with [his]1240-his , " [You]0-i ’re full of surprises , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1240-his] [He]1240-his begins to pull out and [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " Stay , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper against [his]1240-his lips . [He]1240-his hesitates , then flips [us]1243-us over , so [I]0-i am once more on [his]1240-his chest , with [him]1240-his inside of [me]0-i . [I]0-i snuggle into [him]1240-his , the warmth of [his]1240-his body a contrast to the air hitting [my]0-i back . [I]0-i shiver . " [You]1240-his cold ? "[0-i] " A little . "[0-i] [I]0-i rub [my]0-i cheek against the fine hair that peppers [his]1240-his chest . [He]1240-his reaches out behind [me]0-i , the muscles of [his]1240-his body rippling as [he]1240-his pulls the sheet over both of [us]1243-us . [He]1240-his folds an arm around [my]0-i back , tucks [my]0-i head under [his]1240-his chin . " [I]0-i have another question for [you]1240-his , "[0-i] [I]0-i venture . [He]1240-his stills . " [I]1240-his hate answering questions . "[1240-his] " No shit , "[0-i] [I]0-i slip out [my]0-i tongue and lick [his]1240-his skin . [His]1240-his cock instantly jumps inside of [me]0-i . [I]0-i chuckle , " Where do [you]1240-his get this stamina from ? "[0-i] [He]1240-his folds an arm behind [his]1240-his head , " [I]1240-his learnt a long time ago , that [I]1240-his had better make the most of the moment at hand . [You]0-i never know what ’s going to happen next , [you]0-i get [me]1240-his ? "[1240-his] [I]0-i press [my]0-i chin into [his]1240-his chest , peer up at [him]1240-his . " Does this have to do with the incident ? "[0-i] " [The girls]456-the girls have been gossiping , huh ? "[1240-his] " [Summer]44-summer may have mentioned it in passing . "[0-i] " What did [she]44-summer say ? "[0-i] " That it was up to [each of [the Seven]2150-the seven]2784-each of the seven to talk about what happened to [them]456-the girls . "[1240-his] [His]1240-his brow clears . " What was [your]1240-his question ? "[1240-his] " [You]1240-his changing the topic ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . [He]1240-his draws the hair away from [my]0-i face , " When it suits [me]1240-his . "[1240-his] [I]0-i snicker , " Do [you]1240-his always get [your]1240-his way ? "[0-i] [He]1240-his smirks , " Is that the question ? "[1240-his] " Did it matter to [you]0-i so much that [I]1240-his was [a virgin]1157-a virgin ? "[1240-his] " Why do [you]1240-his say that ? "[1240-his] [he]1240-his asks . " Because , "[1240-his] [I]0-i run [my]0-i tongue over [my]0-i teeth , " since [you]1240-his discovered that [you]1240-his were [my]0-i first , [you]1240-his ’ve forgotten to be as much of [a douchebag to [me]0-i]2787-a douchebag to me . "[0-i] [He]1240-his gazes off into the distance , " [You]0-i ’re right . "[1240-his] [He]1240-his scratches [his]1240-his chin . " [I]1240-his never expect [any of [the women [I]1240-his sleep with]2789-the women i sleep with]2788-any of the women i sleep with to be [virgins]2790-virgins … Certainly , never expected to marry [one]2308-one . "[1240-his] [He]1240-his lowers [his]1240-his gaze to [my]0-i face . " So it was a big deal for [you]0-i ? "[1240-his] [He]1240-his cups [my]0-i cheek , " If [you]0-i mean , does it appeal to [the primal , chauvinistic man in [me]1240-his]2792-the primal , chauvinistic man in me that [no one]2059-no one has been inside of [you]0-i before [me]1240-his , that [I]1240-his was the first to make love to [you]0-i ? Then , yes . [I]1240-his ’d never thought it would be important … and it is n’t … And it is . "[1240-his] [I]0-i lower [my]0-i brows , " What do [you]1240-his mean ? "[0-i] [He]1240-his runs [his]1240-his fingers though [my]0-i hair . [His]1240-his fingertips drag across [my]0-i scalp . Tendrils of heat ripple from the contact . [I]0-i turn [my]0-i head and lean into the touch . " [You]1240-his were saying … ? "[0-i] [I]0-i prompt . " That making love to [you]0-i was more significant than [I]0-i thought it would be . [My]0-i being [your]0-i first was a bonus , but even if [I]0-i had n’t been , it would n’t have mattered … But [you]0-i were … And it makes [me]0-i wonder , why the hell [you]0-i did n’t sleep with [anyone]280-anyone before [me]0-i ? "[0-i] " Because [I]1244-his was saving [myself]1244-his for [the right man]2795-the right man … ? "[1244-his] " Who is probably not [me]1244-his . "[1244-his] " [My]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i blink , " what ’s prompting this soul searching ? "[0-i] " Let ’s see ... Was it the strawberries dipped in [your]0-i cum which may have become [my]1244-his favorite food of all time ? Or the mind - blowing sex after ? Or the fact that [you]0-i ’ve been so receptive , so responsive to [my]1244-his touch ? "[1244-his] [He]1244-his trails [his]1244-his hand down [my]0-i spine . [I]0-i shiver . [He]1244-his pinches [my]0-i chin , tips [my]0-i head up , presses [his]1244-his lips to [mine]0-i and kisses [me]0-i . Gently . Softly . Slowly . So bloody thoroughly . [My]0-i heart begins to race all over again . Wetness pools between [my]0-i legs . " Being inside [you]0-i is [my]1244-his favorite place in [the entire world]2796-the entire world . "[1244-his] [His]1244-his dick thickens , punctuating [his]1244-his words . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " Let [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [He]1244-his nibbles on [my]0-i lower lip , and pushes up and into [me]0-i . [He]1244-his makes love to [me]0-i gently , barely a thrust in [his]1244-his every move , [he]1244-his propels [his]1244-his hips up with enough torque for [his]1244-his hardness to chafe the inside of [my]0-i channel . [He]1244-his brings [his]1244-his other hand between [us]1245-us and cups [my]0-i breast , the calluses on [his]1244-his fingers setting off pinpricks of pleasure that travel straight to the space between [my]0-i legs . [He]1244-his holds [my]0-i head in place , then places [his]1244-his other big hand on [my]0-i butt . " Hold on , [sweetheart]2238-sweetheart , "[1244-his] [his]1244-his whisper curls around [me]0-i , sinks into [my]0-i blood , wafts over , encouraging [me]0-i to give in , sink in , to open [myself]0-i up completely , irrevocably to [him]1244-his . [His]1244-his gentleness is so firm , yet so demanding , it ’s a complete contrast to the sadistic part of [him]1244-his . Both sides of [his]1244-his personality are the same , yet different . Both authoritative in [their]1246-their own way . [He]1244-his pistons [his]1244-his hips up and down again and again , hitting that space deep inside of [me]0-i that [he]1244-his seems to always find with such precision — that sends pleasure shooting up [my]0-i nerve endings to [my]0-i extremities . [My]0-i toes curl , [I]0-i dig [my]0-i fingers into [his]1244-his hair , and hold onto [his]1244-his shoulders . " [Saint]47-saint[I]0-i ’m … [I]0-i ’m ... "[0-i] " Come with [me]1244-his , "[1244-his] [his]1244-his voice ripples across [my]0-i skin and [I]0-i shatter , [my]0-i entire body trembling , melting , spiraling down a tunnel at the end of which is [him]1244-his . Only [him]1244-his . [His]1244-his hoarse cry threads through [my]0-i subconscious mind , and [he]1244-his comes inside of [me]0-i . Sleep tugs at the edges of [my]0-i vision . [My]0-i muscles relax . [He]1244-his pushes [my]0-i head down into [his]1244-his chest . [His]1244-his heart beat thuds in [my]0-i ears . Reassuring . Hypnotic . " Sleep , [Gigi]53-gigi , [I]1244-his 'll keep [you]53-gigi safe . "[1244-his]

33

[Victoria]108-victoria

Over the next three weeks [Saint]47-saint is true to [his]47-saint word . [He]47-saint takes care of [my]0-i every need . [He]47-saint is attentive to [me]0-i , from the moment [we]1247-we wake up in the morning , when [he]47-saint insists on ordering and eating breakfast with [me]0-i , often joining [me]0-i for a quick shower before [he]47-saint sets off for work . So [we]1247-we have n’t had a honeymoon , not that [I]0-i expected it , but this is close . [He]47-saint does n't want [me]0-i to worry about anything . [He]47-saint insists [I]0-i stay in , make full use of [[the hotel]312-the hotel ’s facilities]1249-the hotel ’s facilities[the pool]1250-the pool , [the sauna]1251-the sauna , the daily appointment with [the masseuse]1252-the masseuse , not to mention the access to [the best beauticians in [the city]274-the city]1253-the best beauticians in the city in [the in - house salon]1255-the in - house salon . [I]0-i ca n't remember the last time [I]0-i felt this pampered . In the evenings , [Saint]47-saint frequently texts [me]0-i from [the office]2181-the office , commanding [me]0-i to be naked and ready for [him]47-saint , usually arriving within twenty minutes of the message . And then [he]47-saint 'll tease [me]0-i , often spank [me]0-i up against the post , arousing [me]0-i before fucking [me]0-i with that intensity and the hint of cruelty which characterizes [his]47-saint every move . A few times [we]1257-we ’ve indulged in more of the games where [he]47-saint tests [my]0-i taste in alcohol . [I]0-i admit , [I]0-i had more luck with that than with the food . What can [I]0-i say ? Clearly , [I]0-i am [a closet alcohol slut]1258-a closet alcohol slut . [He]47-saint 's taken [me]0-i on the bed , of course ... And on the table by the window , on the carpet , in [the walk - in closet]1123-the walk - in closet , where [we]1257-we 'd ended the night tangled up in clothes — [his]47-saint and [mine]0-i . One night , [he]47-saint 'd met [me]0-i in [the restaurant downstairs]1260-the restaurant downstairs as [I]0-i had been finishing dinner . [He]47-saint 'd had a drink , then waited until [I]0-i ’d finished dessert . After that , [he]47-saint 'd been in in such a hurry , [he]47-saint 'd hustled [me]0-i into [the ladies ' restroom]1261-the ladies ' restroom and proceeded to fingerfuck [me]0-i against the door . The fear of being caught had been enough to make [me]0-i orgasm within the first five minutes . Then again , when [he]47-saint 'd ripped off [my]0-i panties and stuffed [his]47-saint dick inside of [me]0-i . And a third time , when [he]47-saint 'd thrust into [me]0-i again and again with such force that [my]0-i body had bucked into the door , and [he]47-saint 'd commanded [me]0-i to come in that authoritative voice — the one which has [me]0-i rushing to obey [him]47-saint . [I]0-i 'd slumped against [him]47-saint after that . [He]47-saint 'd stuffed [my]0-i knickers into [his]47-saint pocket , scooped [me]0-i up and carried [me]0-i off to [[his]47-saint private elevator]1262-his private elevator , and then [upstairs]1263-upstairs to [[his]47-saint bed]1264-his bed , where [he]47-saint 'd proceeded to tie [me]0-i spread - eagled to the bedposts , and then ... Worshipped [my]0-i body . There is really no other way to describe it . [He]47-saint had touched every part of [me]0-i , kissed every nook and cranny , massaged every curve , rubbed [my]0-i breasts , nibbled on [my]0-i nipples , [my]0-i fingers , [my]0-i toes — all with that same single - minded intensity , as if [he]47-saint had a point to prove ... To [himself]47-saint ? To [me]0-i ? [He]47-saint had wrung two more orgasms out of [me]0-i that night ... until [I]0-i had begged [him]47-saint , pleaded with [him]47-saint , cajoled with [him]47-saint to take [me]0-i and put an end to [my]0-i agony ... [He]47-saint had finally relented then — turned [me]0-i around on [my]0-i arms and knees and thrust into [me]0-i with such force that the entire bed had jolted . Then [he]47-saint 'd proceeded to take [me]0-i again and again until [he]47-saint 'd come deep inside of [me]0-i . [He]47-saint 'd touched a part of that [I]0-i had n’t even known existed . Perhaps it had affected [him]47-saint too , for [he]47-saint 'd been gone the next morning . [I]0-i 'd spent most of the day recovering . That was two days ago . [He]47-saint has n't touched [me]0-i since , which is strange ... considering [we]1265-we ’ve had sex every night for almost three weeks ... [He]47-saint has an insatiable appetite , and enough stamina to make [my]0-i knees go weak thinking about how [he]47-saint 's marked [me]0-i each time . Tonight is the first time since [we]1265-we got married that [he]47-saint is running late at [the office]2181-the office . A meeting of [FOK investments]25-fok investments with all the Seven — well , minus [Baron]63-baron , [he]47-saint 'd said . [I]0-i glance at the clock : midnight . Shit . Where is [he]47-saint ? Is [he]47-saint really at work ? Why has n't [he]47-saint called or texted [me]0-i ? [I]0-i sit up in the bed , where [I]0-i have been tossing and turning over the last hour , trying to sleep . Damn it . [I]0-i have no intention of keeping [his]47-saint bed warm , like [a good little wife]1267-a good little wife , waiting for [him]47-saint . And is n’t that exactly what [you]1268-you 've done over the last 3 weeks ? Yeah . [I]0-i have n't left [the hotel]312-the hotel , content to hide [myself]0-i away here . Have turned down invitations to meet [the girls]456-the girls , even an invitation to tea with [Meredith]56-meredith . [Amelie]62-weston had called [me]0-i a few times , to check that [I]0-i was okay . [We]1271-we 'd chatted and [I]0-i 'd reassured [her]1272-her [I]0-i was fine , just coming to terms with [my]0-i newly married status . [She]1272-her 'd made [me]0-i promise that [I]0-i 'd call [her]1272-her if [I]0-i needed anything ; [I]0-i had n't , of course . Fact is , [I]0-i do n’t want to break this pattern of marital bliss [we]1271-we seem to be indulging in . It sure feels like marital bliss . Or perhaps it ’s the calm before the storm ? [I]0-i shake off the hardness that coils in [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i need to keep busy ... while [I]0-i waited for [my]0-i ' lord and [master]1273-master ' to turn up . Thankfully , [he]1273-master has stopped insisting [I]0-i call [him]1273-master [Sir]2262-sir , which is a relief . What caused [him]1273-master to change [his]1273-master mind ? Not that it has stopped [him]1273-master from being as demanding in [his]1273-master needs toward [me]0-i . All of which [I]0-i have been happy to comply with . [Our]1271-we time together is almost up . Was it wrong of [me]0-i to not try to get the information needed before this ? Had it been foolish of [me]0-i to try to make the most of the time [Antonio]87-antonio had granted [me]0-i ? [He]87-antonio 'd assured [me]0-i [he]87-antonio 'd keep [Nina]52-nina safe during this time . Had [I]0-i been mistaken in trusting [him]87-antonio on that ? [He]87-antonio wo n't hurt [Nina]52-nina , [I]0-i am sure of that . If anything , [his]87-antonio expression had indicated that [he]87-antonio has feelings for [her]52-nina , but that ’s [my]0-i intuition . What if [I]0-i ’m wrong ? What if [I]0-i had been stupid to allow [Saint]47-saint to lull [me]0-i into a false sense of security ? [I]0-i have n't wanted to do anything to upset the balance of sorts that [we]1275-we seem to have established . Where the hell is [he]87-antonio , anyway ? [I]0-i shove the covers off of [my]0-i body , then forgo [my]0-i clothes in favor of a bathrobe . This late , there wo n't be [many hotel guests around]1276-many hotel guests around . [I]0-i take [the elevator]628-the elevator down to [the heated indoor swimming pool on the first level]1278-the heated indoor swimming pool on the first level . Draping [my]0-i bathrobe over a lounge chair , [I]0-i dive in , begin to swim laps . The rhythmic ebb and flow of the water over [me]0-i , the burn in [my]0-i arms , the power of [my]0-i body pitted against the resistance provided by [my]0-i headlong rush — all of it sinks into [my]0-i blood , calms [me]0-i . [I]0-i reach the far end of [the pool]1250-the pool for the fourth time , when an electric current runs up [my]0-i spine . [I]0-i thrust an arm out , push forward , raise [my]0-i eyes and spot the figure at the head of [the pool]1250-the pool . [My]0-i muscles bunch , [I]0-i miss a stroke , go under , then come up gasping . [My]0-i heart begins to thud , [my]0-i pulse beating at [my]0-i temples as adrenaline laces [my]0-i blood . [I]0-i propel through [the water]1281-the water , toward the man who stands motionless . Waiting ... waiting for [me]0-i . [I]0-i reach the edge of [the pool]1250-the pool , hold onto the rim . Run [my]0-i gaze up those beat up cowboy boots , the tailored slacks that outline those powerful legs , to the tent of fabric at [his]1283-his crotch . [My]0-i throat dries . Of course , [he]1283-his 's aroused . [He]1283-his has n't had sex for ... three nights now . Unless , [he]1283-his 'd sought out [someone else]2191-someone else before coming [here]260-here ? Ask [him]1283-his , damn it . And what ? Sound like [a nagging wife]1286-a nagging wife ? [I]0-i toss [my]0-i head . No way . Besides , that would be a dead giveaway that that [I]0-i 've been thinking of [him]1283-his all day . And no way , am [I]0-i giving away what little power [I]0-i am clinging to in this relationship [I]0-i tip [my]0-i chin up , meet that searing blue gaze . " How did [you]1283-his find [me]0-i ? "[0-i] Very little happens here without [my]0-i being aware of it . " [I]0-i glance up at the corners of the ceiling . "[0-i] The cameras ? " [He]1283-his nods . "[0-i] [I]0-i switched them off , by the way . " [His]1283-his lips kick up . [My]0-i throat closes . [He]1283-his reaches down , unbuckles [his]1283-his belt . The sound of leather against [his]1283-his buckle rasps across [my]0-i sensitized nerve endings . [He]1283-his lowers [his]1283-his zipper and [my]0-i pulse rate ratchets up . [His]1283-his thick shaft spills out . [He]1283-his widens [his]1283-his stance , grabs [his]1283-his cock and pumps [himself]1283-his hard once . A bead of precum appears at the tip of the angry head . [My]0-i mouth dries . [I]0-i ca n't take [my]0-i gaze off of [his]1283-his swollen dick as [he]1283-his proceeds to massage [himself]1283-his . [His]1283-his strokes are ferocious , punishing . [His]1283-his breathing grows shallow ; [my]0-i chest rises and falls in tandem . [His]1283-his shaft thickens , and even with the distance between [us]2798-us , [I]0-i can see the veins along the underside pulsing , throbbing . [My]0-i sex clenches , [my]0-i nipples tighten , and goosebumps pop over [my]0-i skin . [I]0-i lick [my]0-i lips , gulp down [my]0-i anticipation . Do n't move . Do n't say anything . Wait ... Wait . [He]1283-his massages [himself]1283-his once more , then stops . What the — ? As [I]0-i watch , [he]1283-his toes off [his]1283-his shoes . Letting go of [his]1283-his dick — which stands erect without any help from [his]1283-his hands , thank [you]2799-you very much — [he]1283-his shrugs off [his]1283-his expensive jacket , drops it to the chair , followed by [his]1283-his shirt . [His]1283-his tanned skin gleams in the warm ceiling lights ; [his]1283-his eight pack abs flex as [he]1283-his proceeds to pull off [his]1283-his socks . [He]1283-his shucks off [his]1283-his pants , along with [his]1283-his boxers , then poses in place for a second . Enough for [me]0-i to take in the awesome sight of that naked expanse of [100 % masculine alpha male who belongs to [me]0-i]2800-100 % masculine alpha male who belongs to me . [He]1283-his is [mine]0-i , from the moment [I]0-i 'd laid eyes on [him]1283-his . Why had [I]0-i ever thought [I]0-i 'd be able to avoid [his]1283-his charisma , [his]1283-his power , the raw animal magnetism that emanates from [his]1283-his sexy - as - fuck presence ? [I]0-i gulp , [my]0-i hand slips , and [I]0-i slide back into the pool , only [he]1283-his 's already there . [He]1283-his dives into the water , arcing up to close [his]1283-his arms around [me]0-i . [His]1283-his lips find [mine]0-i and [he]1283-his plants [his]1283-his bulk between [my]0-i thighs , so [I]0-i have no choice but to part them . Then [he]1283-his thrusts inside [me]0-i , instantly filling [me]0-i as [he]1283-his impales [me]0-i completely . All [I]0-i can do is grab onto [his]1283-his shoulders and hold on , as [he]1283-his pushes forward , pins [me]0-i against the side of [the pool]1250-the pool , and proceeds to fuck every thought out of [my]0-i head . [He]1283-his swipes [his]1283-his tongue across [my]0-i lower lip , brings [his]1283-his hand down to cup [my]0-i butt as [he]1283-his slides [his]1283-his finger inside [my]0-i puckered back hole . [My]0-i entire body bucks . [He]1283-his winds [his]1283-his fingers around [my]0-i neck , holding [me]0-i in place , before ripping [his]1283-his mouth from [mine]0-i . [He]1283-his peers deeply into [my]0-i eyes , holds [my]0-i gaze , urging [me]0-i with [his]1283-his expression to strain against [him]1283-his , push [my]0-i pelvis forward , match [him]1283-his thrust for thrust . [He]1283-his kicks [his]1283-his hips forward one last time , bottoming out inside of [me]0-i , then whispers , "[0-i] Come . " The climax instantly crashes over [me]0-i as [he]1283-his comes inside of [me]0-i , [his]1283-his body spasming along with [mine]0-i . [I]0-i sag against [him]1283-his , all thoughts fucked out of [me]0-i as [I]0-i float in that strange after - space that comes from being completely and utterly spent . [The world]212-the world tilts . [I]0-i sense [him]1283-his tugging [me]0-i along to the steps at the side of [the pool]1250-the pool . [He]1283-his scoops [me]0-i up in [his]1283-his arms , then walks out of [the water]1281-the water . [He]1283-his snatches up one of the towels piled by a lounge chair and dries [me]0-i off , then [himself]1283-his . [He]1283-his picks up [my]0-i bathrobe and places it around [my]0-i shoulders . [He]1283-his helps [me]0-i into the robe then ties it around [me]0-i with great care . [He]1283-his fetches [his]1283-his pants and steps into them . Carrying [me]0-i in [his]1283-his arms [he]1283-his takes [the private elevator]2805-the private elevator up to [[his]1283-his suite]976-his suite . Once inside [the room]319-the room , [he]1283-his strips [us]2808-us both , then carries [me]0-i into the shower . [He]1283-his proceeds to shampoo [my]0-i hair , then seats [himself]1283-his on the stone bench in the shower before washing every inch of [my]0-i body . [He]1283-his begins to soap [himself]1283-his , and [I]0-i catch [his]1283-his wrist . "[0-i] Let [me]0-i , " [I]47-saint clear [my]47-saint throat , realizing those are the first words [I]47-saint have spoken since [I]47-saint saw [him]1283-his at [the pool]1250-the pool . [He]1283-his nods , then leans back , spreading [his]1283-his arms across the back of the bench . [I]47-saint reach around to shut off the shower , then pour out the liquid soap . [I]47-saint work it in across [his]1283-his biceps , down [his]1283-his corded chest , digging into the dips between [his]1283-his pecs . [He]1283-his makes a noise of satisfaction , then sinks back , widening [his]1283-his stance . [I]47-saint massage down [his]1283-his belly , to [his]1283-his thigh , then sink [my]47-saint knuckles into the tense backs of [his]1283-his calves . Sitting cross legged on the floor , [I]47-saint place [his]1283-his large foot on [my]47-saint lap , brush [my]47-saint fingers between [his]1283-his toes . Then hold up [his]1283-his foot to massage the underside and gasp , "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint . " [He]1283-his instantly tugs on [my]47-saint grip . [I]47-saint let go of [his]1283-his foot and [he]1283-his stamps it flat onto the floor . "[47-saint] What happened ? " [I]47-saint ask . [His]1283-his jaw tenses . "[47-saint] Those scars , [Saint]47-saint ... " [He]1283-his sets [his]1283-his jaw , "[47-saint] What about them ? " "[47-saint] Did [you]47-saint get them when [you]47-saint were kidnapped ? " [I]47-saint swallow , "[47-saint] Did [they]1287-they do this to [you]47-saint ? " "[1287-they] What 's it to [you]47-saint ? " "[1287-they] Not all of the scars are old . " "[47-saint] What do [you]47-saint mean ? " [He]1283-his lowers [his]1283-his arms to [his]1283-his lap , [his]1283-his movements deliberate , "[47-saint] What are [you]47-saint trying to say , [Victoria]108-victoria ? " Shit . When [he]1283-his calls [me]47-saint by [my]47-saint full name , it 's never a good sign . "[47-saint] Just that , if [you]47-saint 're trying to hurt [yourself]47-saint ... " [He]1283-his rises to [his]1283-his feet and [my]0-i heart thuds in [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i have to look up , have to sweep [my]0-i gaze up every ripped inch of [him]1283-his to meet [his]1283-his gaze . [His]1283-his eyes blaze , then a shutter comes over [his]1283-his face . "[0-i] [I]0-i 'm not . " [He]1283-his steps around [me]47-saint and heads for the shower door . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint , " [I]47-saint jump to [my]47-saint feet , turn toward [him]1283-his , "[47-saint] [you]47-saint can talk to [me]0-i . " "[47-saint] Oh ? " [He]1283-his straightens . "[47-saint] And why would [I]0-i do that ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i 'm [[your]47-saint wife]2629-your wife . " [He]1283-his turns then and [his]1283-his lips curve in a smile that does n't reach [his]1283-his eyes , "[1289-fake wife] [Fake wife]1289-fake wife , [darling]2102-darling . " [I]2102-darling wring [my]2102-darling fingers together , "[2102-darling] [You]47-saint do n't mean it , [you]47-saint are simply lashing out at [me]0-i because [you]47-saint are confused inside . " "[1291-i] [We]1291-i spent some time together ; the sex was okay , " [he]1283-his tilts [his]1283-his head , "[1291-i] sometimes . " [Bastard]96-bastard . "[1291-i] Do n't go mistaking the last few days for some kind of intimacy between [us]1291-i . " [His]1283-his lips twist , "[1291-i] It was a transaction , make no mistake . " [I]1291-i swallow . [My]1291-i throat hurts and [my]1291-i eyes burn . Was [I]1291-i wrong to imagine that the last few weeks had shifted the tone of the relationship between [us]1291-i ? No , it ca n't be . [I]1291-i tip up [my]1291-i chin , "[1291-i] [You]47-saint 're lying . " "[47-saint] And [you]0-i ... " [He]1283-his looks [me]0-i up and down , "[0-i] [You]0-i are replaceable . " Turning [he]1283-his grabs a towel , and leaves .[0-i]

34

[Saint]47-saint

No one can replace [her]1292-she and that is the problem . [I]0-i dry [myself]0-i with the towel , then toss it aside . [She]1292-she has crawled under [my]0-i skin , sunk into [my]0-i blood and [I]0-i ca n't get enough of [her]1292-she . [I]0-i 'd been heading to work the last three weeks every day — including weekends — because hell , [I]0-i had to make a point to [her]1292-she , and to [myself]0-i , that [I]0-i ’m not dependent on [her]1292-she . This entire sham of a relationship will be over soon enough . [She]1292-she is going to trip up and expose the real reason [she]1292-she propositioned [me]0-i . [I]0-i 'll walk away from [her]1292-she then , and what ... Find another ? [I]0-i ball [my]0-i fists at [my]0-i sides . What will happen to [her]1292-she once [I]0-i find out [her]1292-she secret ? Where will [she]1292-she go ? If [she]1292-she thinks [the Mafia]314-the mafia will let [her]1292-she walk away , [she]1292-she is being awfully naïve . [They]314-the mafia 'll kill [her]1292-she . [My]0-i heart begins to thud and a cold sensation coils in [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i ca n't let that happen . [I]0-i 'll figure out a way to extricate [her]1292-she from whatever mess [she]1292-she is in ... regardless of whether there is a chance for [us]1294-us together . Fuck . [I]0-i pace the carpeted floor the water drying on [my]0-i skin . What is wrong with [me]0-i ? Why ca n’t [I]0-i fight this need to ... What ? Take care of [her]1292-she ? [I]0-i 'd let down [my]0-i guard enough to take off [my]0-i socks today . That ... has never happened before . Not when [I]0-i ’m in [the dressing room of the gym]1295-the dressing room of the gym , nor with [any other woman]1296-any other woman . The socks stay on , always . [I]0-i am not hiding the scars ... It ’s more that [I]0-i do n't want to answer any questions about them . Have [I]0-i become so relaxed in [her]1292-she presence that [I]0-i had not only taken off [my]0-i socks , but also had allowed [her]1292-she to wash [me]0-i ? A first . [No one]2059-no one had been given that privilege ... before [her]1292-she . [I]0-i had begun to look forward to coming [home]213-home to [her]1292-she[Home]213-home ? Did [I]0-i call [this hotel suite]1300-this hotel suite — which is [a transient place to stay , at best —]1301-a transient place to stay , at best — [home]213-home ? Is it [home]213-home because [she]1292-she is [here]260-here ? Why do [I]0-i enjoy waking up with [her]1292-she coiled into [my]0-i side ? What is [Gigi]53-gigi doing to [me]0-i ? Whatever it is , it has to stop . The bathroom door opens , a cloud of steam wafts out , and from it , [she]1292-she steps forward into [the room]319-the room . [I]0-i draw in a breath . [She]1292-she 's naked . Not that [I]0-i had n't seen [her]1292-she without clothes earlier . But the sheer impudence with which [she]1292-she glides forward — head high , spine straight , perky breasts thrust up , breasts that tremble with every step [she]1292-she takes — that 's different . [She]1292-she has n't shown that fighting spirit of [hers]1292-she over the last few weeks . Perhaps [I]0-i 've been too busy taking what [she]1292-she offers , [I]0-i have n't challenged [her]1292-she recently , and damn , if [I]0-i have n't missed the thrust and parry between [us]1306-us . [She]1292-she walks around the bed to [her]1292-she side . [I]0-i twist [my]0-i lips . Step forward . " Stop , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]1292-she ignores [me]0-i , pulls back the covers , no doubt preparing to slide in and fall asleep . And leave [me]0-i tossing and turning next to [her]1292-she ? No way . " Do as [I]0-i say , or [I]0-i swear , [you]1292-she 'll regret it , "[0-i] [I]0-i stalk to [her]1292-she . [She]1292-she turns [her]1292-she back on [me]0-i ... Big mistake . [I]0-i reach [her]1292-she , and [she]1292-she stiffens , pulls [her]1292-she shoulders back . [I]0-i swoop down to grab [her]1292-she around the waist and [she]1292-she swerves to the side . What the hell ? [I]0-i angle toward [her]1292-she ; [she]1292-she brushes past [me]0-i . [I]0-i pivot , turn to face [her]1292-she as [she]1292-she backs away . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i voice to a hush , " [You]1292-she do n't want to do this . "[0-i] [She]1292-she pales , then tips up [her]1292-she chin , " [I]1292-she am doing this . [I]1292-she ’m not playing [your]0-i games anymore "[1292-she] " [You]1292-she 'll regret this . "[1292-she] The pulse thuds at [my]0-i temple . [She]1292-she tosses [her]1292-she head , " So , what 's new ? "[1292-she] [I]0-i take a step forward . [She]1292-she skitters back , " Afraid [you]0-i 'll lose the chase ? "[1292-she] [My]0-i heartbeat ratchets up . " Is [the big bad billionaire]2810-the big bad billionaire worried that [[his]2810-the big bad billionaire wife]233-his wife will be able to outrun [him]2810-the big bad billionaire ? "[0-i] [My]0-i vision tunnels . The hair on the nape of [my]0-i neck prickles . [I]0-i drum [my]0-i fingers on [my]0-i chest . " Be careful what [you]1292-she wish for , [sweetheart]2238-sweetheart , for when [I]0-i catch [you]1292-she this time , [I]0-i wo n't ' show any mercy . "[0-i] [She]1292-she throws back [her]1292-she head and laughs . [She]1292-she fucking laughs . " [You]0-i 're funny , [Saint]47-saint , [you]0-i know that ? "[1292-she] [she]1292-she wheezes . " [I]0-i have news for [you]1292-she , [asshole]2374-asshole . "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " — Oh , [you]1292-she do n’t deserve the title of alphahole yet . All [you]1292-she 've done so far is threaten [me]0-i and use [your]1292-she wealth and so - called power to keep [me]0-i under [your]1292-she control . Well , let [me]0-i tell [you]1292-she , that 's not gon na work anymore . ”[0-i] " Oh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i bare [my]0-i teeth . [She]1292-she winces , then pulls [herself]1292-she up to [her]1292-she full height , " It 's true . [Anyone]280-anyone can be [a bully]2815-a bully ... But to use [your]1292-she wealth to actually make a difference in [the world]212-the world ? To use [your]1292-she power to help [those less fortunate]2817-those less fortunate ? To bare [your]1292-she heart and show [your]1292-she feelings ? To make [yourself]1292-she vulnerable enough to be hurt ? That 's true strength . "[1292-she] [I]0-i roll [my]0-i shoulders . " [You]1292-she done ? "[0-i] " No . "[1292-she] Color suffuses [her]1292-she cheeks . [She]1292-she closes the distance between [us]1307-us , thrusts [her]1292-she finger into [my]0-i chest . " [I]1292-she thought [you]0-i were different , that behind that obnoxious persona is someone who — "[1292-she] " Cares ? Who feels ? Who had fallen in love with [you]0-i ? Who would change [his]2818-his life for [you]0-i ? Who would reform for [you]0-i and help [you]0-i in whatever little plan [you]0-i have going here ? "[1292-she] [She]1292-she pales . " [I]1292-she have news for [you]0-i , [doll]2525-doll . [Your]0-i cunt is no magic pussy , that one taste of it , and poof , [I]1292-she turn over a new leaf . "[1292-she] [She]1292-she swallows . " [You]0-i ... [you're]0-i hurting , [Saint]47-saint . That 's why [you]0-i are trying to hurt [me]1292-she . "[1292-she] [I]0-i laugh , " What a crock . "[0-i] A bead of sweat slides down [my]0-i back . " [You]0-i 're afraid . "[1292-she] [She]1292-she leans in and [her]1292-she scent envelops [me]0-i . [My]0-i groin tightens ; [my]0-i gut churns . " That 's why [you]0-i 're lashing out at [me]1292-she . [I]1292-she understand , [Saint]47-saint . Let [me]1292-she help . "[1292-she] [She]1292-she raises [her]1292-she hand toward [my]0-i face , " [You]0-i 're — "[1292-she] " Bored , "[1292-she] [I]0-i yawn , then step back . " Save [your]0-i insights , [[my]0-i sweet fake wife]2820-my sweet fake wife , for [I]0-i could n't give a fuck about [your]0-i thoughts . "[0-i] A lone tear squeezes out of the corner of [her]1292-she eye . A hot sensation stabs at [my]0-i chest . " Take a good look , [sweetheart]2238-sweetheart , "[0-i] [I]0-i spread [my]0-i arms , " cause [I]0-i am not changing . "[0-i] [She]1292-she searches [my]0-i features with an intensity that borders on hate ... Love ? Nah ! Not that . Never that . Everything between [us]1308-us has been a charade ... Well , except that [she]1292-she 'd been [a virgin]1157-a virgin . Fuck , what does it mean that [she]1292-she came to [me]0-i untouched ? Sweat beads [my]0-i palms . Nothing . It means nothing . Another maneuver in this scheme of [hers]1292-she to catch [me]0-i off kilter . If [she]1292-she 'd intended to get close to [me]0-i ... Well , [she]1292-she has succeeded . And it stops here . Now . " Get out , "[0-i] [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin toward the door . " What ? "[0-i] " Out of [[my]0-i bedroom]2822-my bedroom , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " No . "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . " Excuse [me]0-i ? "[0-i] [She]1292-she ducks under [my]0-i arm , then slides into the bed and pulls up the covers to [her]1292-she chin . " [I]1292-she am sleeping [here]260-here . [You]0-i take the couch . "[1292-she]

35

[Saint]47-saint

" What the fuck ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glance up at the ceiling . [[My]0-i wife]851-my wife had thrown [me]0-i out of [[our]1311-our bedroom]1312-our bedroom and [I]0-i had taken it . The fuck had happened [there]220-there ? Had [I]0-i actually dragged [my]0-i sorry arse out of there and retreated to [the living room]2667-the living room ... like [a loser]1315-a loser ? [My]0-i present condition certainly seems to indicate so . [I]0-i shift [my]0-i frame on the couch in [the living room]2667-the living room , which had seemed comfortable enough on the face of [it]1317-it , but try squeezing a six - feet - four - inch frame onto the bloody thing for the night ... and fuck , it is n’t a laughing matter . How the hell had everything gone so tits up ? How had [I]0-i allowed [that tiny woman]1318-that tiny woman to get the better of [me]0-i ? Had [I]0-i actually agreed to turn the marital bed over to [her]1318-that tiny woman for the night ? And why had n't [I]0-i simply checked into [another hotel room]1319-another hotel room for the night ? Why ca n't [I]0-i bear to leave [her]1318-that tiny woman alone , even for one night ? Because [she]1318-that tiny woman is [[my]0-i asset]1320-my asset and [I]0-i ca n't leave [her]1318-that tiny woman unguarded . Bull - fucking - shit , what a crock that is . All the time [I]0-i 'd been away at [the office]2181-the office , [she]1318-that tiny woman 'd been on [her]1318-that tiny woman own . Okay not quite . [I]0-i 'd had [[my]0-i people]1322-my people tailing [her]1318-that tiny woman , yes , even in [the hotel]312-the hotel . So what ? It ’s the only way to find out what the hell [her]1318-that tiny woman endgame is in all of this . [I]0-i fold [my]0-i arm over [my]0-i eyes , stretch [myself]0-i , and [my]0-i bloody legs hang over the side . Shit . Clearly , [I]0-i am too large for [this space]1324-this space . [I]0-i turn over , punch the cushion under [my]0-i head . How the hell had it come to this ? [I]0-i am in [the most expensive suite]1325-the most expensive suite , in [an iconic hotel owned by [me]0-i]1326-an iconic hotel owned by me , in [a city where [I]0-i am — okay was — [the most eligible bachelor]1328-the most eligible bachelor]1327-a city where i am — okay was — the most eligible bachelor — in [a country where [I]0-i am consistently among [the top five richest men]1330-the top five richest men]1329-a country where i am consistently among the top five richest men . And here [I]0-i am , spending the night on a couch ? Fuck . [I]0-i turn over and slide off of the couch . Hit the floor on [my]0-i arse . Insane . This is beyond ridiculous . This is a clear sign that [I]0-i am pussywhipped . If [I]0-i told any of [the Seven]55-the seven about this ... Well , outside of [Sinner]73-sinner — bet [that fucker]1331-that fucker would empathize with what it is to be faced with [an angry wife]1332-an angry wife . Jesus , that 's the second time in a row [I]0-i 've referred to [her]1332-an angry wife as [[my]0-i wife]851-my wife . [She]1332-an angry wife 's [[your]1334-you fake wife]1335-your fake wife , [[you]1334-you wanker]1336-you wanker . As [you]1334-you 've reminded [her]1332-an angry wife over and over again . And broken [her]1332-an angry wife heart . [You]1334-you hurt [her]1332-an angry wife , [you]1334-you bloody reprobate . [I]0-i drag [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . But hell , if [her]1332-an angry wife words had n't hit [home]213-home . [She]1332-an angry wife 'd struck a nerve — more than a nerve . [She]1332-an angry wife 'd pushed [herself]1332-an angry wife into [[my]0-i deepest darkest space]1338-my deepest darkest space , [the place [I]0-i 'd vowed never to let [anyone]280-anyone into]1339-the place i 'd vowed never to let anyone into . [She]1332-an angry wife 'd insisting on unearthing [my]0-i secrets , bared [my]0-i insecurities and held up a mirror to [my]0-i flaws . Of which [I]0-i have many . [I]0-i 've never hidden them . And [I]0-i ’m not starting now . [I]0-i 've never denied that [I]0-i am callous . What was it [she]1332-an angry wife called [me]0-i ? [A brute]1341-a brute . Yep , that 's what [I]0-i am . [Someone who does n't give a fuck about [others]2091-others]1342-someone who does n't give a fuck about others . Who goes after what [he]1344-he wants and takes it , damn the consequences . So , what am [I]0-i doing , skulking around in the dark , on [my]0-i arse in [[my]0-i hotel suite]1345-my hotel suite ? [This space]1324-this space is [mine]0-i . [I]0-i push up to [my]0-i feet . And [she]1332-an angry wife is [mine]0-i — for the duration of this sham marriage . At least . And [no one]2059-no one keeps [me]0-i away from what [I]0-i own , least of all [[my]0-i sassy , devious , spit - fire of [a wife]1349-a wife]1348-my sassy , devious , spit - fire of a wife . [I]0-i stalk to the door of [the bedroom]2666-the bedroom — how dare [she]1332-an angry wife shut it on [me?—and]0-i shove it open . [I]0-i step into the semi - darkness . The curtains are pulled back and the brightness of the streetlights pours in through the window , illuminating the figure on the bed . [I]0-i prowl over to [her]1332-an angry wife , rake [my]0-i gaze over [the figure tucked in]1351-the figure tucked in , looking quite comfortable . [Her]1332-an angry wife fingers are tucked under [her]1332-an angry wife cheek , [her]1332-an angry wife lips slightly parted . [Her]1332-an angry wife chest rises and falls ; [her]1332-an angry wife cheeks are flushed . No doubt [she]1332-an angry wife 'd fallen asleep as soon as [I]0-i had left , while [I]0-i had tossed and turned in [my]0-i make - shift bed . [I]0-i grab the sheets and pull them off . " What the — ? "[0-i] [She]1332-an angry wife sits up with a little scream , breasts heaving , naked body glimmering in the moonlight . [My]0-i throat closes . The blood rushes to [my]0-i dick . Fuck . [I]0-i do n't have any clothes on either . Good . This should make it convenient . " Move over , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . [She]1332-an angry wife blinks up at [me]0-i . " [Saint]47-saint ? "[1332-an angry wife] " [Who the fuck else]2824-who the fuck else ? "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . Of course , it ’s [me]0-i . Who had [she]1332-an angry wife expected ? [[Her]1332-an angry wife late - husband]1352-her late - husband ? [That fucker]1331-that fucker , [Antonio]87-antonio ? [I]0-i bunch [my]0-i fists at [my]0-i side . [She]1332-an angry wife glances down , takes in [my]0-i stance , then brings up [her]1332-an angry wife hands to cover [her]1332-an angry wife breasts . Anger thrums at [my]0-i temples . [I]0-i am [[her]1332-an angry wife bloody husband]1354-her bloody husband . [She]1332-an angry wife does n't get to hide [her]1332-an angry wife gorgeous body from [me]0-i . And why the hell is [she]1332-an angry wife staring at [me]0-i with fear in [her]1332-an angry wife eyes ? [I]0-i would n't hurt [her]1332-an angry wife . Well , not physically at least — Okay , well ... only when it is required . Then , [I]0-i 'll do what ’s needed to [her]1332-an angry wife body , to give [her]1332-an angry wife the most pleasure [I]0-i can . What is wrong with that ? It is for [her]1332-an angry wife own good , is n't it ? And the way [you]1355-you hurt [her]1332-an angry wife with [your]1355-you words ... Is that for [her]1332-an angry wife own good too ? [I]0-i bunch [my]0-i shoulders , glare at [her]1332-an angry wife features . " Wh ... what 's wrong ? "[1332-an angry wife] [she]1332-an angry wife stutters . Nothing . Everything . " [You]1355-you 're on [my]1332-an angry wife side of the bed . "[1332-an angry wife] " Oh , "[1332-an angry wife] [she]1332-an angry wife glances around , then scoots over . " Not so fast . "[1332-an angry wife] [I]0-i swoop down . Another scream leaves [her]1332-an angry wife lips . [I]0-i scoop [her]1332-an angry wife up , then plonk down on the bed , with [her]1332-an angry wife spread across [my]0-i lap . [She]1332-an angry wife wriggles . [I]0-i lean [my]0-i weight on the small of [her]1332-an angry wife back . " Let [me]0-i go . "[0-i] " No . "[0-i] " What are [you]0-i doing ? "[1332-an angry wife] [she]1332-an angry wife huffs . " [You]0-i were in the wrong . "[1332-an angry wife] " Why ? Because [I]1332-an angry wife slept on [your]0-i side ? "[1332-an angry wife] [Her]1332-an angry wife tone is incredulous . " Yes . "[1332-an angry wife] " That 's preposterous , "[1332-an angry wife] [she]1332-an angry wife tosses [her]1332-an angry wife head . " No , that 's cause for punishment . "[1332-an angry wife] [Her]1332-an angry wife entire body stills , then a shudder crawls up [her]1332-an angry wife spine . " [You]0-i like that , do n't [ya]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i palm [her]1332-an angry wife butt . [She]1332-an angry wife bucks again and [I]0-i lean more of [my]0-i weight on [her]1332-an angry wife . [I]0-i am using [my]0-i superior strength to overpower [her]1332-an angry wife , exactly what [she]1332-an angry wife 'd accused [me]0-i of doing earlier . Well , good . [I]0-i am confirming [her]1332-an angry wife already - low opinion of [me]0-i , right ? [I]0-i snicker . [She]1332-an angry wife turns to glare at [me]0-i , " [You]0-i 're looking for an excuse to spank [me]1332-an angry wife . "[1332-an angry wife] " Oh ? "[1332-an angry wife] [She]1332-an angry wife nods , " Could n’t bear the idea that [a woman]297-a woman had gotten the better of [you]0-i . "[1332-an angry wife] [I]0-i squeeze [her]1332-an angry wife butt cheek and [she]1332-an angry wife shudders . " Go on , "[1332-an angry wife] [I]0-i bare [my]0-i teeth , " why did [you]1332-an angry wife stop ? "[0-i] " If [you]1332-an angry wife wanted to touch [me]0-i , [you]1332-an angry wife only had to — "[0-i] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hand and [she]1332-an angry wife winces . " [You]1332-an angry wife were saying ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . " That ... that ... if [you]1332-an angry wife wanted to make love to [me]0-i , [you]1332-an angry wife only had to ask — ow ! "[0-i] [My]0-i palm connects with [her]1332-an angry wife backside and [she]1332-an angry wife huffs . [I]0-i raise [my]0-i hand , slap [her]1332-an angry wife other butt cheek . [She]1332-an angry wife cries out , " It hurts , [you]0-i oaf . "[1332-an angry wife] " Good . "[1332-an angry wife] [I]0-i spank [her]1332-an angry wife first butt cheek again and the other , and the first , then the other . " Ow , ow , "[1332-an angry wife] [she]1332-an angry wife screams again , aaaand [my]0-i cock engorges . [She]1332-an angry wife wriggles [her]1332-an angry wife body , tries to pull away , and the friction against [my]0-i shaft is so fucking sweet . A groan rips out of [me]0-i . [I]0-i increase the intensity of [my]0-i spanking , alternating between [her]1332-an angry wife arse cheeks . [She]1332-an angry wife grabs hold of [my]0-i leg , grinds [her]1332-an angry wife clit into [my]0-i thigh . The blood drains to [my]0-i groin and all of [my]0-i senses hone in on [her]1332-an angry wife . " Fuck , [Gigi]53-gigi , [I]0-i want [you]1332-an angry wife . "[0-i] [I]0-i stop , and [her]1332-an angry wife entire body quivers . The redness of [my]0-i palm prints stands out against the curve of [her]1332-an angry wife butt . [I]0-i bend , kiss the wounded skin . [She]1332-an angry wife moans , and [my]0-i heart stutters . [I]0-i stand up with [her]1332-an angry wife in [my]0-i arms , then turn and lower [her]1332-an angry wife to [her]1332-an angry wife arms and knees onto the bed . " Hold on . "[0-i]

36

Victoria

That 's all the warning [he]1356-his gives [me]0-i , before [he]1356-his lines up [his]1356-his dick against the entrance to [my]0-i soaking wet channel . " [Saint]47-saint . "[1356-his] [He]1356-his pistons [his]1356-his hips and slams [his]1356-his cock all the way inside of [me]0-i . [His]1356-his balls slaps against [my]0-i tender flesh ; pin pricks of pain dance up [my]0-i spine . [My]0-i thighs tremble ; [his]1356-his grip on [me]0-i tightens . Vibrations radiate from the point of contact . A melting sensation coils deep inside of [me]0-i . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i groan . " [I]0-i know . "[0-i] The words are strained . [He]1356-his stays there , with [me]0-i impaled on [his]1356-his shaft . A second . Another . [His]1356-his cock throbs , stretching [me]0-i , as [my]0-i pussy adjusts to the intrusion . " [You]0-i ready , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[1356-his] Even before [I]0-i can nod , [he]1356-his pulls out , then thrusts forward . [My]0-i entire body jerks . A tingling sensation sweeps up [my]0-i legs . [I]0-i curve [my]0-i back , thrust back , trying to take more of [him]1356-his inside . More . [I]0-i need more . " P - please , "[0-i] [I]0-i stutter . " What ? "[0-i] " Please take [me]1356-his , [Saint]47-saint . "[1356-his] A growl rips from [him]1356-his . [He]1356-his begins to fuck [me]0-i in earnest , and [I]0-i meet [his]1356-his every thrust , pushing back with [my]0-i hips , digging [my]0-i knees into the bed for purchase . " [You]0-i 're so damn tight . Even after all these weeks , [I]1356-his ca n't get enough of [you]0-i . [You]0-i 're [a witch]2826-a witch , [Gigi]53-gigi . [You]0-i 've completely undone [me]1356-his . "[1356-his] [His]1356-his words send vibrations of heat swirling in [my]0-i belly . Everything in [me]0-i is focused on [him]1356-his , on how [he]1356-his 's buried inside of [me]0-i . On the pulsing , seething , aching hollow that [he]1356-his leaves inside of [me]0-i each time [he]1356-his pulls back . " It 's not enough , "[0-i] [I]0-i gasp . " [I]0-i want ... "[0-i] " Tell [me]1356-his . "[1356-his] [he]1356-his growls . " Tell [me]1356-his what [you]0-i need . "[1356-his] " [I]0-i need — "[0-i] [I]0-i widen [my]0-i knees , then reach back between [my]0-i legs and squeeze [his]1356-his balls . [His]1356-his dick jumps inside [me]0-i , lengthening even further . [He]1356-his groans , then pulls out completely . [I]0-i whine , " What are [you]1356-his doing — ? "[0-i] [He]1356-his flips [me]0-i over , plants [himself]1356-his between [my]0-i thighs . The bed dips , as [he]1356-his plants one knee , then the other , on the bed . [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth to demand what [he]1356-his 's doing , and squeak when [he]1356-his guides [his]1356-his cock to [my]0-i trembling opening . [I]0-i glance down at the sight of [his]1356-his shaft poised to enter [me]0-i ... Holy shit ! It 's the hottest thing [I]0-i have ever seen . [I]0-i gasp , draw in a breath , then scream as [he]1356-his buries [himself]1356-his inside of [me]0-i — full , complete . The trembling screeches up [my]0-i spine . the blood drums in [my]0-i temples , and [my]0-i vision wavers . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper , " [I]0-i am going to come . "[0-i] " Do n't [you]0-i dare , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1356-his] [His]1356-his voice is fierce . [He]1356-his drags [his]1356-his hands up the backs of [my]0-i thighs , loops [my]0-i ankles over [his]1356-his shoulders . [He]1356-his pulls back , then slams inside [me]0-i again , and the sensation of [his]1356-his gorgeous thickness filling [me]0-i , stretching [me]0-i ... [My]0-i God ! [I]0-i 'll never be the same after this . Fucking , love - making ... Whatever name [I]0-i may give it ... It ’s a primal meeting of [our]1357-our flesh , [our]1357-our souls . Something knotted inside of [me]0-i dissolves . The climax bubbles up , waves of tension ebbing , then flowing forward . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i choke , " [I]0-i ca n't ... "[0-i] " [You]0-i can , "[1356-his] [he]1356-his growls . The fullness inside [me]0-i pushes up , needing wanting , demanding that [I]0-i give in to it . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " Eyes on [me]1356-his , "[1356-his] [he]1356-his snaps . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i gaze up to [his]1356-his , and the force of those blue eyes pins [me]0-i in place . [My]0-i chest hurts and a pressure builds at the backs of [my]0-i eyes . [His]1356-his lips kick up , a fierce smile lighting up [his]1356-his face . " [You]0-i 're beautiful , "[1356-his] the words spill out of [me]0-i . [His]1356-his smile widens and [his]1356-his gaze intensifies . " And [you]0-i 're [mine]0-i . "[1356-his] " [Yours]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i nod . " Come with [me]1356-his . "[1356-his] [He]1356-his thrust forward and [my]0-i orgasm overpowers [me]0-i . [I]0-i arch [my]0-i back , open [my]0-i mouth , and hear the sound of [someone]236-someone wailing . That 's [me]0-i , [I]0-i know , but [I]0-i ca n't stop [myself]0-i . Tears blur [my]0-i vision and [I]0-i collapse , as [he]1356-his comes inside of [me]0-i . [I]0-i hear [his]1356-his harsh groan from somewhere above [me]0-i . [He]1356-his slips down to cover [my]0-i shaking body with [his]1356-his , [his]1356-his face nestled against [my]0-i breast . [We]1359-we stay in that position for a few seconds ... maybe minutes . [He]1356-his anchors [me]0-i as [my]0-i body quakes and tears stream down [my]0-i cheeks . Finally , [my]0-i breathing steadies , mirrors [his]1356-his . [I]0-i sense [his]1356-his heart thudding against [my]0-i chest . [His]1356-his weight on [me]0-i grows heavy , [my]0-i limbs protest , but [I]0-i do n't say anything . This ... whatever this is ... it ’s different . Does [he]1356-his realize how things have subtly shifted between [us]1359-we ? [He]1356-his stirs , then moves onto [his]1356-his back , pulling [me]0-i on top — and wow , [he]1356-his 's still inside of [me]0-i . [I]0-i mean , that 's not easy to achieve , [I]0-i 'm sure , but [he]1356-his pulls it off without missing a beat . [He]1356-his drags [his]1356-his palm across [my]0-i hair and [his]1356-his fingers snag on a knot . [I]0-i wince . " Sorry . "[1356-his] [He]1356-his plays with [my]0-i hair , undoing the knot with the same intense precision that [he]1356-his seems to bring to so much in [his]1356-his life . " [I]1356-his began self - harming not long after [[my]1356-his mother]856-my mother died , "[1356-his] [his]1356-his voice rumbles against [my]0-i ear . " So much was not in control , then . [I]1356-his had no idea how to cope with the anger inside of [me]1356-his , which was already building after the incident . And when [she]856-my mother died , [my]1356-his world fell apart . [She]856-my mother was [the only one who understood the level of PTSD [I]1356-his had from the incident]2828-the only one who understood the level of ptsd i had from the incident , [the only one who indulged [my]1356-his compulsion to speak in riddles]2829-the only one who indulged my compulsion to speak in riddles . "[1356-his] [He]1356-his pauses , [his]1356-his throat moving as [he]1356-his swallows . " But the strain of it all became too much for [[my]1356-his parents]2830-my parents . [They]2830-my parents broke up . [She]856-my mother left [home]213-home . Right after [she]856-my mother left , [[my]1356-his father]498-my father told [me]1356-his [I]1356-his was the reason for the change in [their]2830-my parents relationship . [I]1356-his was a mistake , [you]0-i see ? There was no space in [their]2830-my parents marriage for [me]1356-his . [He]498-my father blamed [me]1356-his for what had gone wrong . "[1356-his] " Oh [my]0-i god . "[0-i] [I]0-i stare at [him]1356-his horrified . Why the hell would [[his]1356-his father]1360-his father say that ? And [[his]1356-his mother]2719-his mother ? How could [she]2719-his mother have left [Saint]47-saint , when [he]47-saint needed [her]2719-his mother the most ? [His]1356-his features tense . " A month later , [she]2719-his mother died in an accident . [I]1356-his 'm afraid [I]1356-his did n't take it well . "[1356-his] " [I]0-i 'm so sorry , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " [You]1356-his have a knack for getting to the truth , do n't [you]1356-his ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glance up at [him]1356-his , " Only with [you]1356-his , [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] [I]0-i rub [my]0-i cheek against [his]1356-his chest . " Only [you]0-i . "[1356-his] [He]1356-his pulls [me]0-i close , tucks [my]0-i head under [his]1356-his chin . " Sleep . "[1356-his] [His]1356-his voice is soft , but [my]0-i body seems to obey [his]1356-his command on instinct . Darkness closes over [me]0-i .

" What ? When did it happen ? "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ’s voice filters into [my]0-i sleep - addled brain . [I]0-i come awake slowly , tuning into [his]1356-his words . " [I]1356-his ca n’t come right now , [I]1356-his ’m … "[1356-his] [He]1356-his stops speaking . Guess [he]1356-his ’s on the phone ? Who is [he]1356-his talking to ? [The same person who ’d called [him]1356-his the last few times when [he]1356-his ’d left [me]0-i]1362-the same person who ’d called him the last few times when he ’d left me ? [I]0-i hear [his]1356-his footsteps thud as [he]1356-his walks away . [I]0-i crack [my]0-i eyelids open , glance down to find [I]0-i ’m sprawled on [my]0-i front … on [Saint]47-saint ’s side of the bed . [I]0-i ’d gone too sleep on [him]1356-his … Had [he]1356-his woken up to find [me]0-i coiled into [him]1356-his ? Had [he]1356-his thought [me]0-i weak ? Because [I]0-i ’d submitted to [him]1356-his ? [I]0-i ’d trusted [him]1356-his . Had [I]0-i been wrong to do so ? [I]0-i glance over [my]0-i shoulder to the open doorway of [the bedroom]2666-the bedroom and spot [Saint]47-saint . [He]47-saint ’s naked … Of course , [he]47-saint is . [The man]207-the man does n’t have an unconfident bone in [his]207-the man body . [He]47-saint holds [his]47-saint phone to [his]47-saint ear , bends [his]47-saint other arm and runs [his]47-saint fingers through [his]47-saint hair . [His]47-saint biceps bulge , the planes of [his]47-saint back undulating . [My]0-i mouth dries . [I]0-i swallow . [He]47-saint glances back toward [me]0-i . [I]0-i clamp [my]0-i eyelids shut . [His]47-saint voice filters through to [me]0-i , " Are [you]0-i sure the information is accurate ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint listens . " The pickup is going to take place in an hour ? "[47-saint] Footsteps approach the doorway . " Right . "[0-i] [I]0-i crack [my]0-i eyelids open , enough to watch [him]47-saint lean against the doorjamb . " [I]47-saint ’ll make it . "[47-saint] What the fuck — ? [He]47-saint 's leaving [me]0-i after what took place between [us]1365-us ? [His]47-saint gaze roves over [my]0-i shoulders , across [my]0-i body wreathed in [his]47-saint sheets . Can [he]47-saint tell that [I]0-i 'm awake ? [He]47-saint glances away . [I]0-i relax into the sheets . [His]47-saint scent is all around [me]0-i ; the heat of [his]47-saint body warms the bedclothes , tempting [me]0-i to roll over and wallow in the remnants of [his]47-saint essence . Shit . [I]0-i am getting addicted to [him]47-saint . Why does [he]47-saint have to be so … so … irresistible . So damn tempting . [A 100 % masculine hunk who has no idea how lethal [his]47-saint charm can be … And [he]47-saint is n’t even trying]1366-a 100 % masculine hunk who has no idea how lethal his charm can be … and he is n’t even trying . " [I]47-saint know … "[47-saint] [his]47-saint tone lowers . " [I]47-saint am well aware that [I]47-saint got married three weeks ago , but this … What [we]2833-we do together is important . "[47-saint] Well , shit . Of course , [whoever is on the other side of the phone]1367-whoever is on the other side of the phone takes precedence . [My]0-i stomach churns and [my]0-i breathing goes shallow . Do n’t let [him]47-saint see how pissed off [you]1368-you are . And [I]0-i have every right . That last time together , it went beyond the realm of fucking . Besides , is n't [he]47-saint [the one who 'd said [he]47-saint was making love to [me]0-i on [our]1370-our wedding night]1369-the one who 'd said he was making love to me on our wedding night ? [His]47-saint actions of last night — especially the way [he]47-saint 'd lashed out at [my]0-i asking about the scars , only to return to [our]1370-our bed and confess that [he]47-saint self - harms — it backs up [his]47-saint words . So who is [he]47-saint talking to now ? [He]47-saint widens [his]47-saint stance , giving [me]0-i a full - frontal view of [his]47-saint cock . [I]0-i swallow . " Got it , "[0-i] [His]47-saint voice dips , " [I]47-saint ’ll be at [Mill Hill East Broadway]28-mill hill east broadway in half an hour . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint disconnects the call then crosses the floor toward [the walk - in closet]1123-the walk - in closet . [I]0-i hear the sound of clothes rustling . [He]47-saint ’s doing it then ? [He]47-saint 's leaving ? [I]0-i sit up in bed . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i call out . [He]47-saint steps into [the room]319-the room , dressed in sneakers , jeans and a sweatshirt that stretches across [his]47-saint chest . [My]0-i breath catches . [Saint]47-saint in casual wear is even more potent than [Saint]47-saint in office clothes . [I]0-i clear [my]0-i throat , tip up [my]0-i chin , " Where are [you]47-saint going ? [His]47-saint shoulders bunch . "[0-i] It 's a business meeting . " [His]47-saint glance flickers away then back to [me]0-i . [My]0-i heart begins to race . [He]47-saint 's lying ; [I]0-i know [he]47-saint is . "[0-i] In the middle of the night ? " [I]0-i ask . "[0-i] And dressed like that ? " [He]47-saint raises [his]47-saint shoulders , then sighs , "[0-i] It 's a work emergency . " [He]47-saint heads for the door . "[0-i] Do n't leave . " [He]47-saint turns to look at [me]0-i and [his]47-saint expressions softens , "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll be back soon . " [I]0-i straighten [my]0-i shoulders and the sheet falls to [my]0-i waist . "[0-i] [You]0-i 're leaving [me]0-i ? " [I]0-i pout . [His]47-saint gaze falls to [my]0-i breasts ; [his]47-saint chest rises and falls . "[0-i] Not of [my]0-i own volition . " [His]47-saint voice is husky . [He]47-saint tears [his]47-saint gaze off of [my]0-i body , "[0-i] [You]0-i keep the bed warm , [babe]1023-babe . [I]0-i 'll be back before [you]0-i know it . " [He]47-saint crosses [the living room]2667-the living room to the front door . [I]102-ma’am hear the sound of the main door to [the suite]918-the suite snick shut . [I]102-ma’am jump out of bed , then race to the front door . [I]102-ma’am press [my]102-ma’am ear to it , hear the sound of the elevator door closing . Where the hell is [he]47-saint going so early in the morning ? [I]102-ma’am walk back into [the bedroom]2666-the bedroom , take in the messed - up sheets , a pillow thrown to the floor . There 's a dent in the pillow on [his]47-saint side of the bed , where [we]2837-we ’d both slept . A shiver works its way up [my]102-ma’am spine . [I]102-ma’am ’d thought … that [he]47-saint had feelings for [me]102-ma’am … Love ? Nah , that ’s too strong a word . Possession . The marriage is a bullshit fake to end all fakes … but perhaps it had elicited some primal feeling in [him]47-saint ? Something that made [him]47-saint want to exert [his]47-saint ownership over [me]102-ma’am … because in some way , [he]47-saint ’s made [me]102-ma’am [his]47-saint . Am [I]102-ma’am [his]47-saint ? Is [he]47-saint [mine]102-ma’am ? Sure , [he]47-saint 'd shared more of [himself]47-saint with [me]102-ma’am . That does n't mean anything ; not when [he]47-saint 'd lied to [me]102-ma’am about the call and left . [I]102-ma’am chew on [my]102-ma’am fingernail . There must be a good reason for [his]47-saint actions ; there has to be . So why could n't [he]47-saint tell [me]102-ma’am ? For that matter , why have n't [I]102-ma’am revealed the reason [I]102-ma’am am [here]260-here ? Why have n't [I]102-ma’am told [him]47-saint about the hold [the Mafia]314-the mafia has on [me]102-ma’am ? [I]102-ma’am could use [his]47-saint help . The thought has crossed [my]102-ma’am mind . But ... [I]102-ma’am chew on [my]102-ma’am lower lip ... What if [I]102-ma’am told [him]47-saint and [the Mafia]314-the mafia found out about it ? [They]314-the mafia 'd hurt [him]47-saint ... and [Nina]52-nina . Sure , [Saint]47-saint has resources at [his]47-saint disposal ... but [the Mafia]314-the mafia ... [They]314-the mafia ’re everywhere , and [they]314-the mafia are ruthless . [I]102-ma’am ca n't play with both of [their]314-the mafia lives ; [I]102-ma’am ca n't take the risk of something happening to [them]314-the mafia . [I]102-ma’am curl [my]102-ma’am fists into [my]102-ma’am sides . [I]102-ma’am ca n't endanger the lives of [both of [the people [I]102-ma’am 've come to care about]2843-the people i 've come to care about]2842-both of the people i 've come to care about . No , the only way to protect both [Saint]47-saint and [Nina]52-nina is to complete what [I]102-ma’am came to do . But first , [I]102-ma’am have to find out why [he]47-saint lied to [me]102-ma’am . [I]102-ma’am need to catch up with [him]47-saint , and find out why or who [he]47-saint keeps rushing off to see . Walking to the closet door , [I]102-ma’am wrench it open . Ignoring the clothes [he]47-saint bought [me]102-ma’am , [I]102-ma’am cross the floor to [my]102-ma’am bag on the far end . Strange . [I]102-ma’am ca n't find any of [my]102-ma’am underclothes in the bag . Well , [I]102-ma’am am not going to wear the lingerie that [he]47-saint bought for [me]102-ma’am , it does n't seem right to do so , not when [he]47-saint could be cheating on [me]102-ma’am as [we]2844-we speak ... shit , do n't do that , do n't make assumptions , not until [you]2845-you find out the truth for [yourself]2845-you . [I]102-ma’am forgo the underwear and pull on [my]102-ma’am jeans and a top ; then tug on ballet pumps . [My]102-ma’am heart begins to race . Adrenaline fills [my]102-ma’am blood . [I]102-ma’am grab [my]102-ma’am handbag from where [I]102-ma’am ’d dropped it on the table near the door , then race out . [I]102-ma’am punch the button to [the elevator]628-the elevator and the doors slide open . [I]102-ma’am step in , take it to [the ground floor]716-the ground floor . Moderating [my]102-ma’am pace , [I]102-ma’am reach [the guard by the door]2848-the guard by the door . [It]2848-the guard by the door ’s [the same guy who ’d come toward [us]2850-us the day [Saint]47-saint and [I]102-ma’am had had [our]2850-us altercation on [the sidewalk]436-the sidewalk]2849-the same guy who ’d come toward us the day saint and i had had our altercation on the sidewalk . "[102-ma’am] [Ma’am]102-ma’am . " [He]0-i touches [his]0-i finger to [his]0-i forehead , in a semi - salute , "[102-ma’am] Can [I]0-i help [you]102-ma’am ? " [I]0-i bite [my]0-i lips , "[0-i] Uh … Actually , yes . " [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , "[0-i] Can [you]0-i get [me]0-i [a rental car]1374-a rental car or [a taxi]1375-a taxi , please ? " [He]0-i frowns . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint told [me]0-i [I]0-i should ask [you]0-i for help if [I]0-i need anything . " [I]47-saint add . [He]0-i stills , then nods . "[47-saint] [I]0-i wo n't be a minute , [Ma’am]2517-ma’am , if [you]0-i ’d wait here ? " [He]0-i disappears out the front doors . [I]0-i shift [my]0-i weight from foot to foot . [A group]2852-a group walks in , and [I]0-i shuffle aside . [I]0-i wring [my]0-i fingers together ; sweat slides down [my]0-i back . What am [I]0-i doing ? Will [I]0-i be too late to catch [him]0-i ? [The doorman]928-the doorman walks in . [He]928-the doorman extends [his]928-the doorman arm and [I]0-i take the key fob from [him]928-the doorman . "[0-i] It ’s the red Maserati parked right in front . " "[0-i] A Maserati ? " [I]0-i blink , "[0-i] Oh , but [I]0-i do n’t need anything that flashy — " Not to mention that it 'd stand out on [the road]439-the road . "[0-i] Is n’t [there]220-there [any other car]1378-any other car , a little less … uh ... Expensive ? " "[116-mr. caldwell] [Mr. Caldwell]116-mr. caldwell specifically allocated [this one]1379-this one for [you]0-i . " "[116-mr. caldwell] Right . " Had [he]928-the doorman remembered [my]116-mr. caldwell tastes from [our]2855-our conversation a few weeks ago ? That must be it . What does it mean that [he]928-the doorman did ? And when had [he]928-the doorman indicated to [the doorman]928-the doorman to direct [me]116-mr. caldwell to this , if [I]116-mr. caldwell asked ? Had [he]928-the doorman guessed that [I]116-mr. caldwell might want to drive [[my]116-mr. caldwell own car]2857-my own car at some point ? "[116-mr. caldwell] [Ma’am]2517-ma’am ? " [the doorman]928-the doorman prompts [me]116-mr. caldwell . [I]116-mr. caldwell curl [my]116-mr. caldwell fingers around the key fob , then eye [his]928-the doorman name tag . "[116-mr. caldwell] Thank [you]0-i , [Dorian]86-dorian . " [He]928-the doorman nods , "[86-dorian] No problem . " [He]928-the doorman holds the door open for [me]86-dorian . [I]86-dorian walk down the steps , press down on the key fob to unlock [the car]264-the car doors . [I]86-dorian slip into [the driver]266-the driver ’s seat , then program the way to [Mill Hill East]2861-mill hill east on the GPS . It takes [me]86-dorian 30 minutes to get there on [the highway]2862-the highway . [I]86-dorian ease into [a parking lot]2863-a parking lot on [the main street]2864-the main street , then walk up [the sidewalk]436-the sidewalk . [I]86-dorian spot [Saint 's Jaguar]29-saint 's jaguar almost immediately . [It]29-saint 's jaguar 's parked outside [a coffeeshop]2866-a coffeeshop . Is [he]928-the doorman meeting [someone here]2867-someone here ? [I]86-dorian peek in through the glass wall , but ca n’t see [him]928-the doorman . [I]86-dorian turn to go … then glance back . There , at the far end , are the unmistakable broad shoulders which could only belong to [one guy]2868-one guy . [His]928-the doorman dark hair curls at [his]928-the doorman collar . [He]928-the doorman ’s facing away , talking to [someone]236-someone . [I]86-dorian try to peer past [him]928-the doorman . Damn it . [I]86-dorian ca n’t see who ’s in the seat opposite [him]928-the doorman . Show [me]86-dorian [your]236-someone face . Go on . Do it . As if [she]236-someone hears [me]86-dorian , [the woman in the seat]2870-the woman in the seat rises to [her]236-someone feet . [She]236-someone ’s tiny , perfectly curved and wearing black skintight jeans . [Her]236-someone blonde hair flows to [her]236-someone waist . [I]86-dorian ca n’t make out the color of [her]236-someone eyes , but no doubt , they are as stunning as the rest of [her]236-someone . [She]236-someone blows out a breath , folds [her]236-someone arms over [her]236-someone waist . [She]236-someone hauls [her]236-someone handbag over [her]236-someone shoulder , then throws [her]236-someone hands in the air . [Her]236-someone slim , tight - fitting shirt rides up , revealing a smooth flat stomach . [I]86-dorian ball [my]86-dorian fists at [my]86-dorian sides . Of course , [she]236-someone ’s model perfect . Is [she]236-someone [[his]2871-him ex - girlfriend]2872-his ex - girlfriend ? [Ex - something]2873-ex - something ? Or maybe ... current ? [Her]236-someone gestures are heated as [she]236-someone talks to [him]2871-him . [He]2871-him leans back , runs [his]2871-him fingers through [his]2871-him hair . [She]236-someone stabs a finger at [him]2871-him . [He]2871-him squares [his]2871-him shoulders . [She]236-someone turns to leave , takes a step away , only for [him]2871-him to jump to [his]2871-him feet . [He]2871-him grabs [her]236-someone wrist . [His]2871-him face is in profile , but there ’s no mistaking the anguish in [his]2871-him features . [I]86-dorian ’ve never seen [him]2871-him this … disturbed . Not in all the time that [I]86-dorian ’ve known [him]2871-him . Nothing [I]86-dorian ’ve said to [him]2871-him has ever made [him]2871-him this overcome with emotions … Well okay , almost . The only time [I]86-dorian ’ve seen [him]2871-him this overcome is when [we]2874-we made love — no , fucked . That ’s all it was . [He]2871-him ’d fucked [me]86-dorian , and that last time , [I]86-dorian was sure [I]86-dorian ’d broken through to [him]2871-him , just as [he]2871-him had shattered all of [my]86-dorian defenses . [I]86-dorian ’d been sure it was the beginning of ... Trust ? Love ? Whatever . Does n’t matter . [The woman [he]2871-him 's talking to]2875-the woman he 's talking to tries to pull away . [His]2871-him lips move , and [her]2875-the woman he 's talking to features crumple . [He]2871-him pulls [her]2875-the woman he 's talking to to [him]2871-him and [she]2875-the woman he 's talking to buries [her]2875-the woman he 's talking to face in [his]2871-him shoulder . [He]2871-him holds [her]2875-the woman he 's talking to close … [My]86-dorian guts churn . Fuck [you]2875-the woman he 's talking to , [Saint]47-saint . Fuck [you]2875-the woman he 's talking to for making [me]86-dorian want to … believe . Moisture streaks [my]86-dorian cheek . [I]86-dorian dash away the tears . [I]86-dorian will not cry over [this … two - timing , conniving jerk]2876-this … two - timing , conniving jerk . [I]86-dorian step away , retrace [my]86-dorian steps back to [[my]86-dorian car]2089-my car . The red Maserati gleams in the dawn light . Why did [he]2871-him have to remember [my]86-dorian preferences and then go and do this ? Damn it , [I]86-dorian want to give [him]2871-him the benefit of doubt . But hell , if that scene did n't indicate there is a relationship between [them]2878-them . [I]86-dorian stomp over to [the car]264-the car , open it and throw [myself]86-dorian inside . Smash the door closed with enough force that [the entire vehicle]2880-the entire vehicle shudders . [I]86-dorian cringe . [The car]264-the car is new … And [I]86-dorian am not jaded enough to not appreciate the power under [my]86-dorian hands . [I]86-dorian grip the steering wheel , press [my]86-dorian forehead to it . "[86-dorian] Bloody hell . " Why did [you]2871-him have to do this , [Saint]47-saint ? [I]86-dorian slap [my]86-dorian hand against the steering wheel . Pain sweeps up [my]86-dorian arm . It helps center [me]86-dorian . [I]86-dorian focus on the vibrating threads that sink into [my]86-dorian nerves , follow them to where they disappear . Draw in a breath , allow the calm to steal over [me]86-dorian . Somewhere along the line , [I]86-dorian ’ve become [a masochist]2882-a masochist . When [I]86-dorian inflict pain on [myself]86-dorian , it helps [me]86-dorian feel alive . It ’s something [I]86-dorian can control . [My]86-dorian response to it … To [him]2871-him . Why is it that [I]86-dorian had felt compelled to hand that power over to [him]2871-him ? Asking [him]2871-him to take [me]86-dorian on as [a sub]2307-a sub had been … unplanned . It was n’t until [I]86-dorian ’d seen [him]2871-him that day , sprawled back in [his]2871-him chair , [his]2871-him glorious cock in [his]2871-him hand , as [he]2871-him ’d looked [me]86-dorian up and down with the smirk that had dared [me]86-dorian to issue the challenge to [him]2871-him . [I]86-dorian ’d wanted to surprise [him]2871-him , wipe that satisfied smile off of [his]2871-him face . [He]2871-him thought [he]2871-him had [me]86-dorian pegged ? Well , [he]2871-him has no idea who [he]2871-him is dealing with . [He]2871-him thinks [he]2871-him can take [me]86-dorian for granted ? [He]2871-him has another think coming . [I]86-dorian am going to teach [him]2871-him not to mess with [me]86-dorian . Over the last few weeks , a part of [me]86-dorian had felt [I]86-dorian was taking advantage of [him]2871-him . Now , [my]86-dorian conscience is clear . [I]86-dorian can conclude [my]86-dorian mission . [I]86-dorian can complete the mission and save [Nina]52-nina . There is no more reason to hesitate . [I]86-dorian wipe the tears off of [my]86-dorian face , then reverse [the car]264-the car out of [the parking lot]2885-the parking lot . Thirty - five minutes later [I]86-dorian pull into [the parking space reserved for [Saint]47-saint at [the offices of [7A investments]2590-7a investments]2887-the offices of 7a investments]2886-the parking space reserved for saint at the offices of 7a investments . [I]86-dorian am [[his]47-saint wife]233-his wife , right ? What ’s [his]47-saint is [mine]86-dorian , and all that . [I]86-dorian can take what rightfully belongs to [me]86-dorian . [I]86-dorian slam the doors shut , reach the elevators meant for [the penthouse where [the Seven]55-the seven have [their]55-the seven offices]2890-the penthouse where the seven have their offices . [I]86-dorian call for [the elevator]628-the elevator and it arrives in seconds . [I]86-dorian step inside , press [my]86-dorian thumb into the receptacle meant for identification . It lights up green . Of course , it does . [Saint]47-saint has already shared [my]86-dorian identifying information with [the entire security system]2892-the entire security system . [I]86-dorian tuck [my]86-dorian bag into [my]86-dorian side , jab at the button for [the top floor]2893-the top floor . The doors close . The numbers above the elevator door increase . They open onto [the executive floor]2894-the executive floor . [I]86-dorian step out and stride confidently toward [the last office on [the floor]2896-the floor]2895-the last office on the floor , where this entire bloody saga had begun . Do n’t run . Do n’t hurry . Keep [your]2897-you pace . [You]2897-you are [[his]47-saint wife]233-his wife . [You]2897-you have every right to be [here]260-here , remember ? At least , [it]260-here ’s [a floor only frequented by [the 7]2901-the 7 and those to whom [they]2901-the 7 have given clearance]2900-a floor only frequented by the 7 and those to whom they have given clearance . And it ’s too early for [the employees]2902-the employees to be around . Not that [any of [them]2902-the employees]2903-any of them could come to [my]86-dorian aid , if [Saint]47-saint were to catch [me]86-dorian . But why would [he]47-saint ? [He]47-saint is with [[his]47-saint … Girlfriend]2904-his … girlfriend ? [Mistress]2905-mistress ? Whoever it is . [I]86-dorian am safe … as safe as could be expected for [a woman about to commit a crime]2906-a woman about to commit a crime — one that will free [[my]86-dorian friend]226-my friend . [I]86-dorian wrench open the door to [[his]47-saint office]372-his office . There ’s that dark and edgy scent of [his]47-saint — pheromones and leather , laced with a woodsy scent that is uniquely [Saint]47-saint . [My]86-dorian belly flip - flops . Hell , the scent of [him]47-saint is enough to turn [me]86-dorian on . Get what [you]2909-you need and get out of [here]260-here . Do it . Rounding the table , [I]86-dorian plop [my]86-dorian bag on [his]47-saint table then drop into [his]47-saint chair and yank at the top drawer — it 's unlocked . [My]86-dorian breath catches . [I]86-dorian ease it open . There , on top of the papers is ... a USB drive ? [I]86-dorian stare at it . This is too convenient . Did [he]47-saint place it there for [me]86-dorian to find it ? [I]86-dorian snatch it up and insert it into the laptop . [I]86-dorian place [my]86-dorian forefinger on the lock - pad and the screen springs to life . [I]86-dorian freeze . Did [he]47-saint really trust [me]86-dorian enough to have [my]86-dorian fingerprints recorded onto [his]47-saint every device ? Can [I]86-dorian access all of [his]47-saint secrets … so easily ? The hair on [my]86-dorian forearms rises . It ’s a trap . It has to be . [I]86-dorian stare at the screen ; but damn it , [I]86-dorian have to take this opportunity . [I]86-dorian ca n’t not do it . A window pops onto the screen , prompting [me]86-dorian to access the files on the USB stick . There ’s one file so [I]86-dorian click on it and a video begins to play . The image of [a boy tied to a chair]2911-a boy tied to a chair fills the screen . [His]2911-a boy tied to a chair face is streaked with dirt , hollows under [his]2911-a boy tied to a chair cheeks . [He]2911-a boy tied to a chair 's wearing a school uniform , [his]2911-a boy tied to a chair white shirt streaked with mud ... and blood ? [His]2911-a boy tied to a chair breathing is ragged . There 's a sound off - camera , then [he]2911-a boy tied to a chair stirs , looks up and straight into the camera . [I]86-dorian gasp . [He]2911-a boy tied to a chair 's blindfolded but that patrician nose ... The slant of [his]2911-a boy tied to a chair jaw ? It 's [Saint]47-saint . [My]86-dorian heart begins to race . [A man]175-a man moves into frame , [his]175-a man back to the camera , [he]175-a man slaps [the boy]2428-the boy . [Saint]47-saint 's body jerks . [The man]207-the man leaves ; [Saint]47-saint slumps back in [his]47-saint chair , blood trickling from a cut in [his]47-saint lips . [My]86-dorian stomach lurches and bile laces [my]86-dorian throat . Shit , [I]86-dorian ca n't be sick , not now . [I]86-dorian click out of the video , eject the flash drive , then shove it into [my]86-dorian handbag . [I]86-dorian turn to leave , then hesitate . [I]86-dorian mean , come on , [I]86-dorian have access to [his]47-saint computer . Do [I]86-dorian dare ? [I]86-dorian pause . Do [I]86-dorian ? Fuck it . [I]86-dorian swivel to face the screen , open up [his]47-saint email folder and scan through the emails . What am [I]86-dorian looking for ? Any clue to [the woman]2107-the woman ? Anything to indicate who [she]2107-the woman is ? The subjects of the emails all seem boring ... work related . Shit , this is getting [me]86-dorian nowhere . [I]86-dorian click out of the emails . What now ? [I]86-dorian open up the pictures folder ... Peruse the images . There . [I]86-dorian click open pictures of [Saint]47-saint with [Sinner]73-sinner , [Saint]47-saint with [Weston]62-weston and [the other guy from the Seven ... Arpad]2916-the other guy from the seven ... arpad ? Yeah that ’s [his]47-saint name ... [Saint]47-saint with ... [I]86-dorian pause . It 's a picture of [Saint]47-saint with [the girl [I]86-dorian saw [him]47-saint with earlier]2917-the girl i saw him with earlier . It 's taken [somewhere in the open]2918-somewhere in the open , by [a river ...]2919-a river ... ? [The two of them]2074-the two of them are fishing . [Saint]47-saint 's smiling at [her]2917-the girl i saw him with earlier — shit , [he]47-saint never smiles like that . [His]47-saint features are relaxed , [his]47-saint clothes more weather - beaten than anything [I]86-dorian 've ever seen [him]47-saint wear . [My]86-dorian fingers tighten on the mouse . Damn it , this was a mistake . What do [I]86-dorian care what the relationship between [them]2074-the two of them is ? [I]86-dorian click out of the pictures , scan the names of the other folders ... Anything else ? Anything . Come on . There 's a folder called “[86-dorian] Gigi . [I]86-dorian click it open … then open up the file called ' Beatles . ' [Beatles]2921-beatles , huh ? [It]2921-beatles has files … marked in the order of years . From 1963 — the year the first Beatles album came out — to the current year . [I]86-dorian open the first file … A page filled with facts … Every single detail of every hit , links to relevant events that happened to the Fab Four in that year — the tours , the albums released , girlfriends at that time , news headlines [they]2074-the two of them made . Wow . Did [he]47-saint do all of this research ? Nah ! Probably had [some minion]2922-some minion pull it up for [him]47-saint[He]47-saint is thorough , [I]86-dorian have to give [him]47-saint that . [I]86-dorian scroll down to the file marked “[86-dorian] [Gigi]53-gigi . ” Gigi ? [I]108-victoria click it open … and it is filled with riddles . Questions about [the Beatles]71-the beatles … So this is how [he]47-saint prepared for [his]47-saint meetings with [me]108-victoria , like [I]108-victoria was some kind of acquisition . It ’s so very [Saint]47-saint . Being thorough , strategic … [He]47-saint ’d been planning on how to converse with [me]108-victoria … because [he]47-saint ’d realized [The Beatles]71-the beatles were a pet obsession for [me]108-victoria ? But why ? Why would [he]47-saint go about it in such a methodical fashion … Almost as if [he]47-saint — "[108-victoria] [Victoria]108-victoria ? " [I]47-saint jump and the hair on the back of [my]47-saint neck prickles . [I]47-saint look up to see [his]47-saint familiar features towering in front of [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint … ? "[47-saint]

37

[Saint]47-saint

[Her]108-victoria features freeze and [her]108-victoria gaze widens . [I]0-i step into [[my]0-i office]355-my office . [She]108-victoria swallows . [I]0-i prowl forward and the color fades from [her]108-victoria cheeks . " What a surprise to find [you]0-i [here]260-here , [wife]1239-wife . "[0-i] [She]108-victoria draws in a breath , then tips [her]108-victoria chin in that gesture of defiance [I]0-i am coming to recognize so well . [[My]0-i woman]1382-my woman will never give [me]0-i an inch ; [she]108-victoria ’ll make [me]0-i fight for it . And fuck , if [I]0-i do n’t love that about [her]108-victoria . Love ? Fucking love . There is that word again . A confusing emotion — one which muddles [my]0-i instincts , clouds [my]0-i intuition , and causes [me]0-i to doubt [my]0-i own judgment . [I]0-i reach [my]0-i desk , pause in front of it with [my]0-i legs spread wide apart . [I]0-i prop [my]0-i hands on [my]0-i hips , " [You]108-victoria have something to tell [me]108-victoria ? "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria swallows . " Out with it , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance over the part of [her]108-victoria that is visible above the monster hunk of a wood , which — Truth be told , [I]0-i ’d bought the desk in a fit of defiance . [I]0-i ’d wanted [it]1383-it to be the biggest desk among all the Seven . Do n’t judge . [I]0-i ’m entitled to spend [my]0-i hard - earned money how [I]0-i like it , right ? Especially on [her]108-victoria . [I]0-i ’ll shower [her]108-victoria with whatever [she]108-victoria wants , and stuff [she]108-victoria does n’t even know [she]108-victoria needs . Hell , [I]0-i ’d trade in all of [my]0-i riches for one more night of ecstasy with [her]108-victoria — under [me]0-i , in [my]0-i bed , bent over [my]0-i desk , ass in the air ... [Gigi]53-gigi crawling over to [me]0-i across that wide surface , asking [me]0-i to punish [her]108-victoria for a crime [she]108-victoria ’d committed . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i voice to a hush , " Say the word , sweet thing . "[0-i] [She]108-victoria pales . [Her]108-victoria chest rises and falls . " Confess to [your]0-i misdoings and [I]108-victoria ’ll mete out [your]0-i punishment . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria bites down on [her]108-victoria lower lip . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i gaze to that glistening flesh — pouty , full , pink and sensuous . Like the melting triangle of goodness between [her]108-victoria legs . [My]0-i dick lengthens and [her]108-victoria gaze drops down to [my]0-i crotch . [I]0-i do n’t need to look down to know the crotch of [my]0-i pants is tented right then . " Do it , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]108-victoria flinches . [Her]108-victoria upper body moves , then [she]108-victoria rises to [her]108-victoria feet . [She]108-victoria grabs the arms of [my]0-i chair , swings [her]108-victoria legs up , and hoists [herself]108-victoria onto the chair . " What the fuck ? "[108-victoria] [I]0-i blink . [She]108-victoria ’s naked from [her]108-victoria waist down . No panties . Nothing except the curve of [her]108-victoria hips silhouetted against the light pouring in from the wide windows behind [her]108-victoria . Nothing except for the smooth expanse of [her]108-victoria creamy thighs marked with reddened scratches . [I]0-i ’d done that , at some point during the last night , when [I]0-i ’d gone down on [her]108-victoria . After [she]108-victoria ’d fallen asleep on [my]0-i chest , [her]108-victoria breathing had deepened . [I]0-i ’d stayed unmoving for an hour … Maybe two ? Until [I]0-i ’d been sure [I]0-i would n’t wake [her]108-victoria . Then [I]0-i ’d slid [her]108-victoria onto [her]108-victoria back , parted [her]108-victoria thighs , settled in between [her]108-victoria legs and feasted on [her]108-victoria . [I]0-i ’d made sure not to wake [her]108-victoria … had been gentle , soft , soothing , slow … [I]0-i had licked and slurped and eaten [her]108-victoria out , until [she]108-victoria ’d quietly come under [me]0-i . Then [I]0-i ’d moved up to kiss [her]108-victoria , to share [our]1384-our joined taste with [her]108-victoria . [She]108-victoria ’d sucked on [my]0-i tongue as [I]0-i had eased into [her]108-victoria ; [I]0-i ’d finished [myself]0-i off with a few thrusts . Hell , [I]0-i ’d been so turned on by the act of tonguing [her]108-victoria cunt that … [I]0-i had n’t been able to stop [myself]0-i . [I]0-i ’d left [my]0-i stamp on [her]108-victoria . [I]0-i ’d claimed [her]108-victoria over and over again . The phone call had woken [me]0-i up and [I]0-i ’d left . Saying ‘ no ’ had n’t been an option . Some things are too important . Not even [my]0-i feelings for [her]108-victoria could prevent [me]0-i from acting . [I]0-i ’d wrapped up [my]0-i meeting , checked up on [her]108-victoria — yeah , [I]0-i ’d bugged [her]108-victoria phone . So ? Do n’t judge . Only [I]0-i can keep [her]108-victoria safe … And if that means [I]0-i am stalking [her]108-victoria ? Well , it 's for [her]108-victoria own good , right ? " [Gigi]53-gigi , "[0-i] [I]0-i breathe . " What are [you]108-victoria doing ? "[0-i] " What does it look like ? "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria grabs the hem of [her]108-victoria top and pulls it off . No bra … Fuck … [Her]108-victoria pink nipples perk up , inviting [me]0-i to come closer , closer . [I]0-i bump into the desk ... Shit , when had [I]0-i bridged the distance between [us]1385-us ? " [Victoria]108-victoria , have [you]108-victoria forgotten the rules ? "[0-i] " On the contrary , [Saint]47-saint . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria climbs up onto the desk on all fours . " [I]108-victoria ’m submitting to [you]0-i completely . This is what [you]0-i want , right ? [Me]108-victoria … begging for [you]0-i ? "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria crawls toward [me]0-i , [her]108-victoria breasts jiggling ; [her]108-victoria beautiful shoulders arch with each forward motion . " [You]0-i do n’t know what [you]0-i are doing . "[108-victoria] " Do n’t [I]108-victoria ? "[108-victoria] Half - way over , [she]108-victoria stops . Dropping down , [she]108-victoria picks up a riding crop with [her]108-victoria mouth . [She]108-victoria glances up , the strip of leather caught between [her]108-victoria pearly white teeth . Fuck , fucking fuck . [My]0-i groin hardens and a pulse flares to life at [my]0-i temples , behind [my]0-i eyelids , even in [my]0-i fucking balls . " [You]108-victoria ’re playing a dangerous game , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]108-victoria glides forward , head held up , green gaze daring [me]0-i to inch forward , to bend from [my]0-i waist , to take the offered object of punishment from [her]108-victoria . [I]0-i shake out the modified whip . It whistles through the air . [She]108-victoria flinches and a bead of sweat dots [her]108-victoria upper lip . " [I]108-victoria know what [you]108-victoria ’re doing , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria ’s trying to distract [me]0-i . [I]0-i drag the switch between [my]0-i fingers . [Her]108-victoria gaze drops to [my]0-i hands . [I]0-i slap the crop on [my]0-i outstretched palm . [Her]108-victoria shoulders shudder and [her]108-victoria breathing grows erratic . " [You]108-victoria want this ? "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria touches [her]108-victoria tongue to [her]108-victoria lips . [My]0-i hand shakes . It fucking shakes as [I]0-i hold it up . " Say it . "[0-i] " [I]108-victoria[I]108-victoria … "[108-victoria] " Now . "[108-victoria] " [I]108-victoria want it , please . [Saint]47-saint . Use it on [me]108-victoria . Make it hurt enough that [I]108-victoria forget everything else that came before it . Own [me]108-victoria , [Saint]47-saint . Hit [me]108-victoria on [my]108-victoria behind , then fuck [me]108-victoria in the arse . "[108-victoria] " Bloody fuck . "[0-i] [My]0-i vision tunnels , and [my]0-i cock insists on springing forward — ready , impatient to be done with all of the preliminaries . To simply bury [my]0-i aching self inside [her]108-victoria welcoming heat , to finally come [home]213-home . " [Jesus]98-jesus , [Mary]100-mary and [Joseph]127-joseph , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . " Those … Those were the names of the three cats [Lennon]84-lennon had at one point , "[108-victoria] [she]108-victoria answers . [I]0-i laugh , " [You]108-victoria ’re perfect , [you]108-victoria know that ? The answer to [my]0-i twisted prayers . "[0-i] [I]0-i push the tip of the crop under [her]108-victoria chin . [She]108-victoria stills . Drag the leather down [her]108-victoria throat , between [her]108-victoria breasts , down the concave of [her]108-victoria stomach to where the bud of [her]108-victoria clit peers out . [She]108-victoria shudders . " [Saint]47-saint … "[108-victoria] [I]0-i withdraw the crop the same way , drag it under [my]0-i nose , " [Your]108-victoria scent , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [I]0-i glare at [her]108-victoria . " The sweetness of [your]108-victoria arousal is more potent that honey . "[0-i] [I]0-i swipe [my]0-i tongue up the strip of hide . A whine bleeds from [her]108-victoria lips . [I]0-i swipe the crop through the air . " Turn around . "[0-i] [She]108-victoria instantly complies . The creamy mounds of [her]108-victoria arse thrust out at [me]0-i . " Fucking gorgeous . "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria swivels [her]108-victoria head . " Do n’t , "[0-i] [I]0-i admonish [her]108-victoria . [She]108-victoria faces forward . [I]0-i drag [my]0-i crop across [her]108-victoria buttcheeks and [her]108-victoria entire body trembles . " Which Beatles album spent the longest consecutive time at number one ? "[0-i] " [Their]2925-their debut album … Please , Please [Me]0-i . "[0-i] " [You]108-victoria bet . "[0-i] [I]0-i bring the crop down on [her]108-victoria arse . [She]108-victoria screams , " [Bu]128-bu … but [I]108-victoria got the answer right . "[108-victoria] " So ? "[0-i] " [Sadist]129-sadist . "[0-i] [I]0-i chuckle , " Now [you]108-victoria recognize [my]0-i true nature . "[0-i] [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head , " Which song by [the Beatles]536-the beatles features only thirteen different words in the lyrics ? "[0-i] " It 's a love song recorded by [John]84-lennon for [Yoko]107-ono , "[108-victoria] [She]108-victoria bites [her]108-victoria lower lip . " Tell [me]0-i [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [I]0-i prompt . " [I]108-victoria want [you]0-i ... "[108-victoria] [she]108-victoria huffs . [I]0-i bring the cane down on [her]108-victoria backside . [She]108-victoria cries out , " [I]108-victoria hate [you]0-i . "[108-victoria] " [I]0-i do n’t . "[0-i] [I]0-i slap the whip across [her]108-victoria backside . [She]108-victoria chokes . " In fact , [I]108-victoria think [I]108-victoria may even be falling in lust with [you]108-victoria . "[108-victoria] [I]0-i lower the crop again and again . [She]108-victoria cries out , wriggles [her]108-victoria hips , throws [her]108-victoria head back . The skin of [her]108-victoria arse cheeks blooms red . The tracks stand out against the creaminess of [her]108-victoria skin . " Fuck , [Gigi]53-gigi . [I]0-i need [you]108-victoria now . "[0-i] [I]0-i loosen [my]0-i grip and the switch slips from [my]0-i hand . [I]0-i drag [my]0-i knuckles up [her]108-victoria pussy . " [You]108-victoria ’re soaking , [babe]1023-babe . ’ "[0-i] [Saint]47-saint , please , " [her]108-victoria voice is strangled . "[47-saint] [You]47-saint ready for [me]0-i ? " "[47-saint] [I]0-i ’ve been waiting for [you]47-saint since before [I]0-i knew who [you]47-saint were , " [she]108-victoria whispers , "[0-i] when all [I]0-i had was a hope and a wish for [someone]236-someone to push away all the memories that hold [me]0-i back . " "[236-someone] What ’s holding [you]47-saint back , [Gigi]53-gigi ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i[I]0-i ca n’t tell [you]47-saint . " "[0-i] [You]47-saint will . " "[0-i] [I]0-i[I]0-i" [she]108-victoria huffs . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i face , press [my]0-i cheek to [hers]108-victoria , "[0-i] Say it … Say what ’s on [your]47-saint mind . " "[1388-they] [They]1388-they[The Mafia]314-the mafia ... [They]1388-they kidnapped [[my]0-i friend]226-my friend , [Saint]47-saint . " [Her]108-victoria voice trembles , "[1388-they] [They]1388-they 're holding [Nina]52-nina hostage . [They]1388-they … forced [me]0-i to play the role of [[Adam]43-adam 's wife]1391-adam 's wife . " "[1388-they] Why [you]47-saint ? " [I]47-saint cup [her]108-victoria pussy . [Her]108-victoria thighs clench . "[47-saint] Why did [they]1388-they contact [you]47-saint ? " "[1388-they] [Nina]52-nina was [[my]0-i roommate at [UCLA]6-ucla]1392-my roommate at ucla . " [She]108-victoria swallows . "[52-nina] [You]47-saint were close ? " [I]47-saint strum [her]108-victoria pussy lips . "[47-saint] Very . " [She]108-victoria shudders . "[47-saint] [[My]0-i parents]2830-my parents moved from [London]2-london to [LA]8-la when [I]0-i was twelve . [[My]0-i father]498-my father left [us]1395-us shortly afterward . " [Her]108-victoria lips twist . "[498-my father] [[My]0-i mother]856-my mother ended up having to work two , sometimes three , jobs to make ends meet . [Her]856-my mother focus was to put [me]0-i through college so [I]0-i could find a good job and carve a better future for [myself]0-i . " [She]108-victoria blinks ; [her]108-victoria chin wobbles . [I]856-my mother drag the wetness from [her]108-victoria cunt to [her]108-victoria back hole . "[856-my mother] [You]0-i got a scholarship to [UCLA]6-ucla , " [I]856-my mother prompt . Shit , why had [I]856-my mother said that ? [Me]856-my mother , [the cold - hearted bastard who could string out an entire business discussion]2928-the cold - hearted bastard who could string out an entire business discussion without showing mercy ... The slightest hint of uncertainty from [her]108-victoria and [I]856-my mother ca n't stop [myself]856-my mother from reaching out to help . This has got to stop . [I]856-my mother smear [her]108-victoria wetness into the valley between [her]108-victoria butt cheeks . [She]108-victoria shudders . "[856-my mother] That 's where [I]0-i met [Nina]52-nina , " [her]108-victoria voice quavers . "[52-nina] After [[my]0-i mother]856-my mother died , [she]856-my mother was there for [me]0-i ; [she]856-my mother pulled [me]0-i out of the emotional hole [I]0-i 'd dug [myself]0-i into . Clearly , [the Mafia]314-the mafia knew how close [we]1399-we were . " [I]47-saint dip a finger inside [her]108-victoria back hole . [Her]108-victoria butt clenches and [her]108-victoria entire body jerks . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint , " [she]108-victoria protests . "[47-saint] Complete what [you]52-nina were saying , " [I]52-nina instruct . [She]108-victoria swallows "[52-nina] There was no way [I]0-i could abandon [her]856-my mother . " [She]108-victoria tips up [her]108-victoria chin , "[52-nina] But [you]47-saint know all this already , do n't [you]47-saint ? " [I]47-saint grunt . "[47-saint] Yet [you]47-saint married [me]0-i ? " [she]108-victoria asks . [I]47-saint tilt [my]47-saint head . "[47-saint] Why ? " [Her]108-victoria chest rises and falls . "[47-saint] Why would [you]47-saint do that ? " "[47-saint] To keep [you]52-nina close … " [I]47-saint draw in a breath , "[47-saint] Not only that , though . It may have started out that way , but [I]0-i fell for [you]52-nina somewhere along the way . [You]52-nina understand that , right ? " [I]47-saint slip another finger inside [her]108-victoria back hole and [she]108-victoria groans . [I]47-saint pause , giving [her]108-victoria time to adjust to the intrusion . "[47-saint] Oh , [my]0-i god , [Saint]47-saint" [she]108-victoria mewls . "[47-saint] Please , it ’s not enough . " "[47-saint] Soon , [darling]2102-darling . " [I]47-saint pull out [my]47-saint fingers , then grip [her]108-victoria hips to hold [her]108-victoria in place . "[47-saint] What hold do [they]1401-they have on [you]52-nina , [Gigi]53-gigi ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i[I]0-i told [you]52-nina everything already . " [Her]108-victoria shoulders stiffen , [her]108-victoria spine ramrod straight . Why is [she]108-victoria not telling [me]0-i everything ? "[0-i] What have [they]1401-they asked of [you]52-nina ? " [I]1401-they lean over , kiss the shell of [her]108-victoria ear . [She]108-victoria moans . "[1401-they] [You]52-nina have to tell [me]0-i if [you]52-nina want [me]0-i to help [you]52-nina . " [I]52-nina position [my]52-nina dick between [her]108-victoria arsecheeks and [she]108-victoria shivers . "[52-nina] Let [me]0-i take some of the burden off of [you]52-nina , [Gigi]53-gigi . Tell [me]0-i why [you]52-nina ’re running scared ? [You]52-nina ’re [[my]0-i wife]851-my wife , [sweetheart]2238-sweetheart . [I]0-i ’ll do anything for [you]52-nina . [You]52-nina know that , right ? " "[52-nina] Will [you]52-nina , [Saint]47-saint ? " [She]108-victoria thrusts out [her]108-victoria hips and [my]52-nina dick nudges the opening of [her]108-victoria puckered hole . Lust spirals up [my]52-nina spine and tension winds tight in [my]52-nina groin . [I]52-nina need to be inside of [her]108-victoria . Need to take [her]108-victoria again . "[52-nina] Anything , " [I]52-nina force out the words through clenched teeth , "[52-nina] Anything for [you]52-nina . " "[52-nina] Then tell [me]0-i who the phone calls are from ? [The woman for whom [you]0-i ’ll leave [[your]0-i wife]2629-your wife and go running]1404-the woman for whom you ’ll leave your wife and go running ? Who is [she]1404-the woman for whom you ’ll leave your wife and go running , [Saint]47-saint ? " [I]0-i dig [my]0-i fingertips into [her]108-victoria hips and [she]108-victoria winces . [I]0-i loosen [my]0-i grip , slightly . It ’ll leave marks on [her]108-victoria there . Good . If this is the only way [I]0-i can assert [my]0-i ownership on [her]108-victoria , then so be it . "[0-i] [You]0-i … saw [us]1406-us ? " [She]108-victoria nods . "[0-i] [I]0-i … followed [you]0-i . " "[0-i] That ’s why [you]0-i came to [the office]2181-the office ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i came [here]260-here because … [I]0-i could n’t bear to return to the bed [we]1406-us ’d shared , after … [You]0-i left to meet [another woman]2766-another woman . " "[0-i] [You]0-i have no idea what [you]0-i ’re talking about , " [I]0-i growl . "[0-i] Then tell [me]0-i , [Saint]47-saint . " [She]2766-another woman turns to glance at [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] [I]0-i[I]0-i ca n’t ; not without putting [you]0-i in danger . " "[0-i] [Me]0-i ? " [She]2766-another woman blinks . "[0-i] It 's the kind of thing [you]0-i want no part of . " "[0-i] Why ca n't [you]0-i let [me]0-i be the judge of that ? " [she]2766-another woman scowls . Fuck , fucking fuck . [She]2766-another woman has no idea what [she]2766-another woman ’s asking of [me]0-i . "[0-i] Why ca n't [you]0-i trust [me]0-i to decide what 's best for [you]0-i ? " "[0-i] Is it ? " [She]2766-another woman swallows . "[0-i] Or is this more convenient for [you]0-i ? " "[0-i] There [you]0-i go , doubting [me]0-i again . " [I]0-i blow out a breath . "[0-i] Besides , [I]0-i am sworn to secrecy . [I]0-i made a promise to [her]1410-her . " [She]2766-another woman winces ; [her]2766-another woman face pales . "[0-i] What about the promise [you]0-i made to [me]0-i ? [You]0-i swore to take [me]0-i as [[your]0-i wife]2629-your wife , to cherish and to protect [me]0-i . " "[0-i] All of which [I]0-i intend to do . " "[0-i] Then start with this . If there ’s even a small chance for [us]1412-us to be together , then tell [me]0-i what it is [you]0-i ’re hiding ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i" [I]0-i lower [my]0-i chin to [my]0-i chest , "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n’t , [Gigi]53-gigi . It ’s not [my]0-i secret to tell , " [I]0-i hold [her]53-gigi gaze , "[0-i] but [I]0-i can show [you]53-gigi how much [I]0-i want [you]53-gigi . " "[0-i] It ’s not enough . " [She]53-gigi tosses [her]53-gigi head , "[0-i] [You]0-i can take [your]0-i dick and stuff it — " "[0-i] Oh , [I]0-i am going to stuff it all right . " [I]0-i bare [my]0-i teeth , "[0-i] Inside [you]53-gigi , where it belongs . " "[0-i] No , " [she]53-gigi tries to pull away . [I]0-i hold [her]53-gigi in place , "[0-i] Yes . " "[0-i] [I]0-i do n’t want this . " [I]53-gigi shove [my]53-gigi hand around and between [her]53-gigi legs , "[53-gigi] [You]53-gigi do . " [I]53-gigi slide [my]53-gigi fingers inside [her]53-gigi soaking cunt . "[53-gigi] Whatever [our]1413-we differences may be , however divisive the secrets between [us]1413-we , there ’s one place where [we]1413-we ca n’t hide from [each other]2117-each other , and that ’s when [we]1413-we fuck . " "[1413-we] Fuck off . " "[1413-we] [I]0-i intend to , only [I]0-i am going to take [you]53-gigi with [me]0-i , [sweetheart]2238-sweetheart . " [I]2238-sweetheart shove [my]2238-sweetheart fingers in and out of [her]53-gigi and [she]53-gigi whines . [I]2238-sweetheart grind the heel of [my]2238-sweetheart palm into [her]53-gigi clit ; [she]53-gigi throws back [her]53-gigi head . [She]53-gigi snaps back [her]53-gigi shoulders , thrusts up [her]53-gigi hips . [My]2238-sweetheart dick stabs into [her]53-gigi backhole , and [she]53-gigi groans . "[2238-sweetheart] Damn [you]0-i , [Saint]47-saint . Damn [you]0-i for the responses [you]0-i wring from [my]0-i body . " "[2238-sweetheart] Good , the feeling ’s mutual then . " [I]2238-sweetheart pinch the swollen nub of [her]53-gigi clit and [she]53-gigi screams . [Her]53-gigi body bucks and [her]53-gigi knees part further . [She]53-gigi lowers [her]53-gigi cheek to the desk , shoves [her]53-gigi trembling butt toward [my]2238-sweetheart face . "[2238-sweetheart] Fuck , [Gigi]53-gigi , [I]0-i have to take [you]0-i . " [I]0-i release [her]53-gigi pussy , squeeze [her]53-gigi arse cheeks , holding them apart . "[0-i] Now . " [I]0-i kick [my]0-i hips forward , and [my]0-i dick slips inside [her]53-gigi puckered hole .[0-i]

38

[Saint]47-saint

" What do [you]1418-her think ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glance up from where [I]0-i ’d been pacing in [the living room of [the suite]918-the suite]1416-the living room of the suite . [She]1418-her stands framed in the doorway to [the bedroom]2666-the bedroom . The green gown clings to [her]1418-her breasts , seeming to be kept up by nothing except their perkiness . It cinches in at [her]1418-her impossibly tiny waist , only to flare around [her]1418-her hips , and flow down in straight lines , to [her]1418-her toes . [She]1418-her props a palm on [her]1418-her waist , thrusts out a leg through the slit that rides all the way up to the waist . [My]0-i hand tightens on the glass of whiskey [I]0-i hold . " The fuck are [you]1418-her wearing ? "[1418-her] [Her]1418-her eyebrows lower , " Have [you]0-i forgotten that [you]0-i picked out this dress ? "[1418-her] So what ? [She]1418-her has no business looking that beautiful , that over - the - top seductive in that outfit . When [I]0-i ’d seen it in [the store]1420-the store … all [I]0-i had thought of was how well it would match [her]1418-her eyes . [I]0-i ’d imagined [her]1418-her wearing the gown , and fuck , if [I]0-i had n’t come right then . Of course , [I]0-i had picked it out for [her]1418-her . Had wanted [her]1418-her to wear a dress that was revealing enough to make [her]1418-her uncomfortable . One of [my]0-i crazy - ass ideas that had seemed brilliant at the time . Why does [she]1418-her have to look so delectable in that ? Why the hell does it matter to [me]0-i that [men]2104-men will eat [her]1418-her up with [their]2104-men eyes ? [I]0-i toss back the rest of the whiskey , place it on the counter of the bar [I]0-i had been leaning against . " Turn around . "[0-i] " What ? "[0-i] [I]0-i circle the air with [my]0-i finger . [She]1418-her frowns . [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin . [She]1418-her draws in a breath , then does a slow turn for [me]0-i . " The fuck ? "[1418-her] The back of the dress is far , far worse . It dips in a V that plunges down all the way to the top of [her]1418-her arse crack . The shadowed cleavage between [her]1418-her ass cheeks mocks [me]0-i . [I]0-i was inside of [her]1418-her not a few hours ago . [I]0-i ’d carried [her]1418-her into [the private elevator at [the office]2181-the office]1422-the private elevator at the office — it was too early for any of [the other Seven]1424-the other seven to be around — then to [the top floor]2893-the top floor , where [I]0-i had directed [[my]0-i helicopter]1426-my helicopter back to [[my]0-i hotel suite]1345-my hotel suite . That way , there had been no chance of [anyone]280-anyone seeing [her]1418-her in [her]1418-her undressed state . [I]0-i ’d let [her]1418-her sleep in [my]0-i bed , watching [her]1418-her as [she]1418-her ’d not stirred … Not until [I]0-i ’d woken [her]1418-her up an hour ago to get dressed . [I]0-i ’d left the outfit for [her]1418-her , needing to see [her]1418-her wear [my]0-i choice . It is perfect for [her]1418-her . It brings out all of [her]1418-her best attributes , the silver - tipped heels on [her]1418-her feet giving [her]1418-her a few added inches that accentuate the jut of [her]1418-her butt , the proud thrust of [her]1418-her cleavage . [I]0-i prowl toward [her]1418-her , place [my]0-i palm flat in the middle of [her]1418-her bare back . [She]1418-her shudders , " [Saint]47-saint . "[1418-her] " Get out of this dress . "[1418-her] " [I]1418-her will not . "[1418-her] [She]1418-her turns to glare at [me]0-i , " [I]1418-her put a lot of effort into looking good . "[1418-her] " Is that what [you]1418-her call this ? "[0-i] [I]0-i step back , look [her]1418-her up and down , [My]0-i heart stutters ; [she]1418-her so fucking beautiful . And yet ... [She]1418-her still has n't revealed the real reason [she]1418-her came to [me]0-i . [I]0-i draw [myself]0-i up to [my]0-i full height . " Step out of it , [Gigi]53-gigi , or [I]0-i ’ll make [you]1418-her do it . "[0-i] " Try [me]1418-her , "[1418-her] [she]1418-her juts out [her]1418-her lower lip , then turns away . [I]0-i push [her]1418-her up against the wall , hook [my]0-i finger in the ' V ' of [her]1418-her dress and tug . The delicate fabric rips . [She]1418-her gasps and the sound coils in [my]0-i belly . [I]0-i ’m instantly hard . [She]1418-her looks over [her]1418-her shoulder . " What are [you]0-i doing ? "[1418-her] [her]1418-her voice is breathless . [I]0-i yank at the cloth and it parts all the way down to the hem . [I]0-i let go and it pools to the floor . " Jesus , "[0-i] [I]0-i take in the silver thong that rides the top of [her]1418-her butt . " The fuck are [you]0-i wearing ? "[0-i] [She]1418-her wriggles [her]1418-her feet , tries to angle [her]1418-her body . [I]0-i apply more pressure to [her]1418-her back . [She]1418-her arches up . " Answer [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " What does it look like ? "[0-i] The anger in [her]1418-her voice slices straight to [my]0-i gut . [My]0-i belly tightens . [My]0-i cock tents [my]0-i pants . [I]0-i run a finger down the silvery thread caught between [her]1418-her arse cheeks . [Her]1418-her thigh muscles ripple . " [Saint]47-saint , "[1418-her] [her]1418-her voice hitches , " please . "[1418-her] " Please what , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[0-i] [I]0-i plant [my]0-i thigh between [her]1418-her legs , pushing them apart . [She]1418-her shudders , " Why … why are [you]0-i doing this ? "[1418-her] [I]0-i dip a finger inside [her]1418-her pussy . The melting heat clings to [my]0-i skin . " That ’s why , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " Because [I]0-i only have to glare at [you]1418-her , and [your]1418-her body instantly responds . ”[0-i] [I]0-i yank on the thin silver fabric and it snaps . A small scream leaves [her]1418-her lips , " [You]0-i[you]0-i do n’t want to do this . "[1418-her] [I]0-i laugh , " Do n’t [you]1418-her realize ? In no way , can [you]1418-her tell [me]0-i what to do . "[0-i] [I]0-i unbuckle [my]0-i belt , lower [my]0-i zipper . " Stop , "[1418-her] [she]1418-her snarls . [I]0-i yank [her]1418-her butt toward [me]0-i , position [her]1418-her right , shove [her]1418-her legs apart further , and — " Do n’t — "[1418-her] [her]1418-her voice breaks . [I]0-i pull out [my]0-i dick , position it at the opening of [her]1418-her melting pussy . Drag [my]0-i hand up and around to cup [her]1418-her breast , " [I]0-i want [you]1418-her , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " Not yet . "[0-i] [I]0-i squeeze [her]1418-her nipple , run [my]0-i tongue up the curve of [her]1418-her ear , " Yes , yet . "[0-i] " First answer [my]0-i riddle . "[0-i] " Huh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i pause , " What did [you]1418-her say ? "[0-i] " Answer [my]0-i questions . If [you]1418-her get it right , [you]1418-her can have [me]0-i … Else … "[0-i] " Else ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i have to wait until [I]0-i am ready . "[0-i] " [You]0-i know [I]0-i do n’t allow [anyone else]369-anyone else to question [me]0-i . "[0-i] " Why not ? "[1418-her] [She]1418-her frowns at [me]0-i , [her]1418-her cheek flat against the wall . " What are [you]0-i afraid of [Saint]47-saint ? "[1418-her] " Nothing . "[0-i] [I]0-i roll [her]1418-her nipple between [my]0-i fingers . [Her]1418-her mouth parts . " See , [your]0-i body ca n’t deny [me]1418-her . "[1418-her] " That ’s true , "[1418-her] [she]1418-her swallows , " but [you]0-i relish challenges , [Saint]47-saint , and [I]1418-her ’m challenging [you]0-i to own [my]1418-her mind . "[1418-her] " What does that mean ? "[1418-her] " Answer [my]1418-her question … and [I]1418-her promise , [I]1418-her ’ll never stop [you]1418-her again . "[1418-her] The familiar fear bursts through [my]0-i mind . [My]0-i heart begins to race . Sweat beads [my]0-i temple . Fact is that [I]0-i 'd take [her]1418-her anyway [I]0-i can get [her]1418-her ... but ... [I]0-i also ca n't deny [her]1418-her . [My]0-i dick nudges the soft opening of [her]1418-her pussy , and [I]0-i force [myself]0-i to stay there . Stay . " What is always too late ? "[1418-her] [Her]1418-her voice slices through the lust in [my]0-i head . Do n’t answer . Do n’t . Damn [her]1418-her , [she]1418-her is [the only person [I]0-i ’ll always answer]1429-the only person i ’ll always answer . Fuck [her]1418-her for exploiting that , and fuck [me]0-i for answering . " Regret , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . [She]1418-her tips up [her]1418-her head , " [Some]418-some try to hide , some try to cheat , but time will show , [we]2931-we always will meet . "[1418-her] [I]0-i pause , [my]0-i pulse rate ratchets up . " Death , "[0-i] [I]0-i grind out . " When [I]0-i sneak up on [you]0-i , [you]0-i ’ll never be the same again . "[0-i] [She]1418-her smiles , " What am [I]1418-her ? "[1418-her] A tear slides down [her]1418-her cheek . [I]0-i bend into [her]1418-her , lick it up . " Betrayal , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]1418-her swallows . " [You]0-i going to betray [me]1418-her , [Gigi]53-gigi ? "[1418-her] " What do [you]0-i think ? "[1418-her] [She]1418-her tips up [her]1418-her chin , [her]1418-her gaze challenging . " [The mighty Saint]2932-the mighty saint , who ’s never had the courage to lose [his]2932-the mighty saint heart ever before ... [You]0-i think [I]1418-her have the guts to betray [you]1418-her ? "[1418-her] " [I]0-i think , "[0-i] [I]0-i grip [her]1418-her hips , position [her]1418-her just right , " that [you]1418-her already have . "[0-i] [I]0-i propel [my]0-i hips forward and enter [her]1418-her . [Her]1418-her head falls back against [my]0-i shoulder . [She]1418-her brings up [her]1418-her hand and [I]0-i grab [her]1418-her palm , flatten it against the wall , pressing [my]0-i fingers in between [hers]1418-her . " [My]0-i God , [Gigi]53-gigi , [you]53-gigi ’re … "[0-i] [My]0-i cock lengthens inside of [her]1418-her . [She]1418-her thrusts back , grinds [her]1418-her butt into the hard wall of [my]0-i pelvis . " Please . "[1418-her] The word spills from [her]1418-her lips . A groan rips out of [me]0-i . [I]0-i grind [my]0-i teeth so hard , pain rips up [my]0-i jaw . [I]0-i lower [my]0-i head to the curve between [her]1418-her neck and shoulder , " Fuck [you]1418-her for getting to [me]0-i . Fuck [me]0-i for not being able to resist [you]1418-her . Fuck [us]2933-us both for what [we]2933-us are doing to each other . "[0-i] [I]0-i bite down on [her]1418-her neck . [She]1418-her screams . [Her]1418-her pussy clamps down on [my]0-i cock . [I]0-i pull out , and the friction of [my]0-i dick against the melting walls of [her]1418-her channel is too much . More blood rushes to [my]0-i groin . [I]0-i drag [my]0-i fingers up to [her]1418-her breasts , squeeze [her]1418-her nipple . [Her]1418-her body bucks . [I]0-i rip [my]0-i teeth from [her]1418-her shoulder , turn [her]1418-her head to [mine]0-i . " Open [your]1418-her eyes , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [Her]1418-her eyelids flutter open , [her]1418-her pupils so big in [her]1418-her eyes , they seem to swallow up most of [her]1418-her iris , leaving only a ring of green at the circumference . " [Saint]47-saint , "[1418-her] [she]1418-her whispers . " [I]0-i fucking love [you]1418-her , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . [Her]1418-her face whitens . " [You]1418-her ca n’t . "[1418-her] " Too late , "[0-i] [I]0-i bare [my]0-i teeth . " Congratulations , [you]1418-her got what [you]1418-her set out to do . "[0-i] [I]0-i propel [my]0-i hips forward , bury [myself]0-i inside [her]1418-her with such force that [my]0-i balls slap against [her]1418-her skin . [Her]1418-her mouth opens and [her]1418-her throat moves as [she]1418-her tries to speak . [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head , " Save it for later , [babe]1023-babe , cause both [you]1418-her and [I]0-i are going to pay for this . "[0-i] [I]0-i pull out and thrust back in , impaling [her]1418-her again and again . [Her]1418-her body jerks and spasms grip [her]1418-her body , sweep up [her]1418-her hips , [her]1418-her breasts . [Her]1418-her gaze widens , " Omigod , "[1418-her] [she]1418-her gasps , " [I]1418-her ’m going to … "[1418-her] [I]0-i pull out , and come on [her]1418-her back . " What the — ? "[1418-her] [She]1418-her blinks . [I]0-i step back , survey the white ribbons of [my]0-i cum that crisscross [her]1418-her curves . Pulling out [my]0-i handkerchief — monogrammed because , what the fuck ? [I]0-i got ta play the part of [gazillionaire dickhead]58-gazillionaire with no details spared — [I]0-i throw it at [her]1418-her . " Clean [yourself]1418-her up . "[0-i] [I]0-i tuck [myself]0-i back in , turn and stride to [the lift]1430-the lift . " Oh , and [Gigi]53-gigi , "[0-i] [I]0-i glance at where [she]1418-her has n’t moved from against the wall , " do n’t be late . "[1418-her]

39

Victoria

[I]0-i pause outside [the entrance to [the ballroom of the Claridge's]1432-the ballroom of the claridge's]1431-the entrance to the ballroom of the claridge's[the same one where , only a few weeks ago , [I]0-i ’d [we]1434-we d [Saint]47-saint]1433-the same one where , only a few weeks ago , i ’d we d saint . [We]1434-we d [him]47-saint ? Ha , that has to be a euphemism for … The most mind - blowing sex ever … Okay , so [I]0-i do n’t have experience to compare it to ; but hell , if that matters . [I]0-i 've seen enough porn online , heard enough from [friends]466-friends in [university]1183-university , swapped enough secret fantasies with [Nina]52-nina to know ... What [I]0-i had with [Saint]47-saint was exceptional . [I]0-i shudder , nervously toy with the ring [he]47-saint gave [me]0-i . The emerald warms against [my]0-i skin . Stay strong , [you]1437-you can do this [Victoria]108-victoria . [You]1437-you only have the next few hours to get through ... And then what ? Escape ? Get out of [here]260-here , away from [the Mafia]314-the mafia … At what cost ? [You]1437-you ’ll give up [the man who ’d professes to love [you]1437-you]1440-the man who ’d professes to love you ? [He]47-saint may as well hate [me]0-i . That ’s what [his]47-saint tone had implied . No , [Saint]47-saint does n’t understand the meaning of the word love . [He]47-saint is obsessed … fixated , maybe … Sure , [he]47-saint finds [me]0-i attractive , but [he]47-saint ’ll forget [me]0-i . [He]47-saint ’ll move on quickly . To [another hotel suite]1441-another hotel suite , [another lay]1442-another lay , [another woman to take and conquer]1443-another woman to take and conquer . [My]0-i heart stutters . [He]47-saint ’ll forget about [me]0-i soon enough … and [I]0-i[I]0-i will be free . Still tethered to the thought of [him]47-saint[his]47-saint touch , [his]47-saint feel , the crude way [he]47-saint ’d taken [me]0-i earlier , how [he]47-saint ’d torn off [my]0-i gown , not caring for the fact that it was new and expensive . It should n’t matter to [me]0-i . That flaunting of [his]47-saint wealth had been a crude gesture … One meant to put [me]0-i in [my]0-i place . And [I]0-i had found it hot . [I]0-i had been instantly wet and throbbing and aching for [him]47-saint . [My]0-i nipples tighten against the short black sheath . [I]0-i run [my]0-i hands down the fabric that clings to [my]0-i thighs . This is n’t one of [Saint]47-saint ’s purchases . It had been in the bag [I]0-i ’d packed before leaving [Amelie ’s]62-weston . No way , am [I]0-i wearing anything else bought by [him]47-saint . Not after how [he]47-saint 'd reacted to [my]0-i wearing the previous one . What the hell had come over [him]47-saint ? [He]47-saint 'd been like [a man possessed]1444-a man possessed . [He]47-saint 'd fucked [me]0-i , then not allowed [me]0-i to climax . Just like [he]47-saint 'd refused to tell [me]0-i who [that woman]2622-that woman is . There has to be a simple explanation to it ... So why wo n't [he]47-saint reveal it ? How can it be for [my]0-i safety when it is tearing [me]0-i apart from inside ? And all that , after [he]47-saint ’d professed [his]47-saint love . Hell ! [I]0-i clutch [my]0-i hands around the simple silver purse that dangles from [my]0-i hand . Why did [he]47-saint have to go and do that ? Almost as if [he]47-saint ’d known that it was [his]47-saint last chance to tell [me]0-i [his]47-saint true feelings . And [he]47-saint ’d meant it . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i eyes shut . Deny it as much as [you]1446-you want … but there had been a hint of desperation in [his]47-saint tone , a dangerous glint in [his]47-saint eyes . And the way [he]47-saint ’d fucked [me]0-i ... as if it was [our]1447-our last time . [He]47-saint is [no fool]1448-no fool[He]47-saint knows something is going to happen … So [he]47-saint ’d played [his]47-saint last card . [He’d]47-saint … hit [me]0-i where it hurts — hoping it would hold [me]0-i back from what [I]0-i have to do . If [he]47-saint thinks [his]47-saint declaration is going to stop [me]0-i … Well , [he]47-saint has misjudged [me]0-i . [He]47-saint is n’t [the only one who plays with [people]2061-people ’s feelings , who can set [their]2061-people eyes on a goal and use anything and everything ... and [anyone]280-anyone , to get to it]1449-the only one who plays with people ’s feelings , who can set their eyes on a goal and use anything and everything ... and anyone , to get to it . Sweat beads [my]0-i palm ; [I]0-i wipe it on the silky fabric of [my]0-i dress . [My]0-i knees knock together and [my]0-i throat dries . " [Victoria]108-victoria , [honey]2935-honey , are [you]0-i okay ? "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston grips [my]0-i shoulder . " Why do n’t [you]0-i sit down ? "[1452-she] [She]1452-she leads [me]0-i to an armchair pushed up into an alcove of [the hallway]379-the hallway a few feet away . [I]0-i sink into it . [She]1452-she keeps [her]1452-she hand on [mine]0-i , and takes the seat next to [me]0-i . [I]0-i draw in a breath , then another . [She]1452-she grabs a bottle of water from the antique table in front of [us]1454-us , unscrews the cap , and hands it to [me]0-i . [I]0-i take a grateful sip . " Better ? "[0-i] [I]0-i nod , then lower the bottle . " Is [my]1452-she make - up okay ? "[1452-she] [She]1452-she surveys [my]0-i face , " [You]0-i ’re always perfect , [V.]78-v. "[1452-she] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . If [she]1452-she only knew . [I]0-i reach over , place the bottle on the table . [She]1452-she squeezes [my]0-i hand , " Now , tell [me]1452-she why [you]0-i were having that panic attack . "[1452-she] " [I]1452-she was n’t . "[1452-she] [She]1452-she stares at [me]0-i . " Is this to do with [Saint]47-saint ? "[1452-she] A giggle bubbles up , " What in [my]1452-she life is n’t to do with [him]47-saint right now ? "[1452-she] " It ’s normal for [newly - weds]2936-newly - weds to feel overwhelmed . "[1452-she] Not like this , it ’s not . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i fingers together around the bag in [my]0-i lap . " When are [[you]2936-newly - weds guys]2381-you guys going on [your]2936-newly - weds honeymoon ? "[0-i] " There ’s not going to be any honeymoon . "[1452-she] [She]1452-she frowns . " Of course , there is . [Saint]47-saint asked [Meredith]56-meredith to book tickets to — "[1452-she] [she]1452-she snaps [her]1452-she mouth shut . " Ugh , sorry . Did [I]1452-she give away a secret ? "[1452-she] [I]0-i toss [my]0-i head , " Does n’t matter . [Saint]47-saint ’s good at putting on a show . ”[0-i] [She]1452-she peers up at [me]0-i from under [her]1452-she eyelashes . " [You]0-i know that ’s not true … [I]1452-she mean , [all the Seven]2938-all the seven are [consummate actors]2939-consummate actors and [jerks]2940-jerks — "[1452-she] " And [a - holes of the first order]2941-a - holes of the first order . "[1452-she] [She]1452-she nods , " But [you]0-i saw how hard [Sin]90-sin fell for Summer and see how devoted [Jace]68-jace is to [Sienna]67-sienna . When [they]2942-they fall , [they]2942-they fall hard . [They]2942-they do n't stop until [they]2942-they 've swept [[their]2942-they women]2227-their women off [their]2942-they feet . "[1452-she] [I]0-i shift in [my]0-i seat . " It ’s really , really not like that . All this … "[0-i] [I]0-i wave a hand in the air , " is an act . ’ "[0-i] [Saint]47-saint said [you]0-i ’d say that , " [she]67-sienna nods . "[0-i] When did [you]0-i talk to [him]1455-him ? " [I]0-i stare at [her]67-sienna . "[0-i] Umm . " [She]67-sienna changes position , "[0-i] [I]0-i was n’t going to tell [you]0-i , but — " "[0-i] But ? " "[0-i] — seeing as how much of a tizzy [you]0-i ’ve got [yourself]0-i into , [you]0-i should know — " "[0-i] What ? " Do n’t tell [me]0-i , do n’t . Please . "[0-i] What is it ? " [I]0-i scowl . "[0-i] Remember when [I]0-i ran into [you]0-i outside [the 7A offices]2321-the 7a offices that night ? " "[0-i] Yeah … " [my]0-i voice trails off . Shit . [I]0-i do n’t want to hear this , [I]0-i do n’t . [I]0-i grip the arm of [my]0-i chair . "[0-i] What do [you]0-i think [I]0-i was doing [there]220-there at that time of the evening ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i thought that … " [my]0-i voice trails off , "[0-i] ... that [you]0-i ’d come to meet [Weston]62-weston ? " ”[0-i] That ridiculous , selfish , no - good reprobate ? " Uh , oh . "[0-i] Strike that . " [I]0-i wave [my]0-i hand in the air . "[0-i] Why would [you]0-i even think [I]0-i ’d arrived for a rendezvous with [Weston]62-weston ? [she]2944-she grumbles . Nice , one . [I]0-i ’ve put [my]0-i foot in [my]0-i mouth now , have n’t [I]0-i ? "[0-i] Forget it , " [I]0-i mumble . [She]2944-she glares at [me]0-i . "[0-i] Honestly , [Amelie]62-weston , " [I]62-weston lean forward , take [her]2944-she hand in [mine]62-weston , “[62-weston] [I]0-i did n’t mean to piss [you]62-weston off , but there ’s chemistry between [you]62-weston two … " And that 's putting it mildly . "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ve barely had a single conversation with [the man]207-the man , and anyway , " [she]2944-she sniffs , "[0-i] this is n’t about [me]0-i and [Weston]62-weston . " "[62-weston] Right , " [I]62-weston snatch up another bottle of water and hand it to [her]2944-she . [She]2944-she uncaps it , drinks from it , then sighs , "[62-weston] So , as [I]0-i was saying ... [I]0-i was [there]220-there that night because [Saint]47-saint called [me]0-i and asked [me]0-i to come by . [He]47-saint thought [you]62-weston could do with [some company]1460-some company . " "[47-saint] Hold on … " [I]47-saint reach for [my]47-saint bottle of water , press it to [my]47-saint aching temples . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint asked [you]62-weston run into [me]0-i ? " [She]2944-she twists [her]2944-she mouth , "[47-saint] [He]47-saint told [me]0-i to pretend it was a chance meeting . " After [he]47-saint ’d told [me]47-saint [he]47-saint did n’t want [me]47-saint and allowed [me]47-saint to assume that [he]47-saint was n’t accepting [my]47-saint proposition ... [My]47-saint head spins . [I]47-saint squint at [her]2944-she , "[47-saint] [You]62-weston ’re not making any sense . " "[62-weston] [You]62-weston ’re telling [me]0-i ? " [She]2944-she chugs down more water . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint swore [me]0-i to secrecy . " "[47-saint] And [you]62-weston agreed ? " [She]2944-she reddens , "[62-weston] Hey , [I]0-i thought it was romantic . Besides , [he]47-saint told [me]0-i that [he]47-saint ’d — " [she]2944-she chews on [her]2944-she lower lip . "[47-saint] What ? " [I]47-saint peruse [her]2944-she features . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint made [you]62-weston a deal ? " "[47-saint] [He]47-saint said , " [her]2944-she gaze flicks away , then back to [my]47-saint face , "[47-saint] that [I]0-i ’d get to make the wedding cake , and take credit for it . [He]47-saint said [he]47-saint ’d ensure all the media would cover the event and [my]0-i name would be mentioned . " "[47-saint] But the wedding ceremony was impromptu … " "[47-saint] Not the one that 's about to take place . ” "[47-saint] Oh ? " [I]47-saint frown , then stiffen , "[47-saint] Oh . " [She]2944-she nods and [her]2944-she features scrunch up , "[47-saint] [He]47-saint 's been ... uh ... planning this for a few weeks . [He]47-saint — ah ! — " [She]2944-she shuffles [her]2944-she feet . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint wanted to surprise [you]62-weston with a society wedding that 'd get a lot of attention . " "[47-saint] Oh , [he]47-saint did , did [he]47-saint ? " [I]47-saint growl . The nerve of [the man]207-the man . How dare [he]47-saint take [me]47-saint for granted ? There ’s a bitterness to [my]47-saint voice that [I]47-saint ca n’t disguise when [I]47-saint ask [her]2944-she , "[47-saint] Did [he]47-saint also pay [you]1461-you to friend [me]0-i ? " "[47-saint] Of course , not . " [She]2944-she sits up straight . "[47-saint] Look [V]70-v , [I]0-i swear , [he]47-saint only wanted to make it special for [you]70-v . " [I]47-saint snort . "[47-saint] Besides , " [she]2944-she wriggles around trying to find a more comfortable position . "[0-i] [I]0-i could hardly turn [him]47-saint down . " "[0-i] Of course , not , " [I]0-i echo [her]2944-she . [She]2944-she stiffens , "[0-i] It 's not easy , trying to make it on [your]70-v own . " "[70-v] [You]70-v bet , it is n't . " [She]2944-she scowls , "[70-v] It 's cut - throat out there . " [She]2944-she waves [her]2944-she hand in the air , "[70-v] Think of what this kind of exposure could do for [my]0-i business . " [I]0-i stare at [her]2944-she , "[0-i] [I]0-i 'm thinking a lot of things , all right . " [She]2944-she reddens . "[0-i] Please try to understand , V. [I]0-i mean , if [[you]1462-you guys]2381-you guys were going to get married , then why not keep the catering for the wedding in [the family]1464-the family , huh ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i suppose [Isla]65-isla 's doing the wedding planning ? " [I]65-isla ask . [She]2944-she glances away , then back at [me]65-isla . "[65-isla] Of course , [she]65-isla is , " [I]65-isla scowl . [I]65-isla suppose that makes sense too . [I]65-isla mean why look outside when [the talent]2946-the talent is in [[your]1465-her circle of [friends]466-friends]2947-your circle of friends ? So why does it feel like a bloody betrayal ? [I]65-isla place the cap on the bottle , screw it back in place with deliberate precision . "[65-isla] So , the time when [Meredith]56-meredith met [me]0-i outside Selfridges … " [I]56-meredith glance up at [her]1465-her , "[56-meredith] [She]56-meredith brought [me]0-i here to meet all of [you]1465-her . Did [Saint]47-saint put [her]56-meredith up to that as well ? " "[47-saint] [You]0-i ’ll have to ask [Meredith]56-meredith about that . " [She]1465-her swipes the hair back from [her]1465-her face . "[47-saint] Did [he]47-saint ask [you]0-i to round up [all the women]1466-all the women so [you]1465-her all could keep an eye on [me]0-i ? " "[47-saint] It … it was n’t like that . " [She]1465-her leans forward to take [my]47-saint arm . [I]47-saint shake it off , "[47-saint] All this time , [I]0-i thought , perhaps , [I]0-i had a support circle here , that perhaps [I]0-i had a chance of finding a place where [I]0-i belonged … [I]0-i should have known that [asshole]2374-asshole would set [me]0-i up . It was all about making sure that [he]47-saint was informed of [my]0-i movements . " "[47-saint] [He]47-saint wanted to keep [you]0-i safe . " "[47-saint] Bullshit , " [my]47-saint voice echoes around [the space]532-the space . [A couple speaking at the far end of]2950-a couple speaking at the far end of [the corridor]339-the corridor looks [our]2952-our way . Like [I]47-saint care ? [I]47-saint glare at [Amelie]62-weston , "[47-saint] It was a way of controlling [me]0-i , making sure [he]47-saint could monitor everything [I]0-i did . [He]47-saint wanted to see if [I]0-i ’d give [myself]0-i away . " "[47-saint] Give [yourself]0-i away ? " [She]2953-she frowns , "[0-i] What are [you]0-i talking about ? [Saint]47-saint wanted to ensure that [you]0-i did n’t feel lonely , that ’s all . " "[47-saint] [You]0-i believe that ? " [She]2953-she holds [my]0-i gaze , "[0-i] [I]0-i do , [Victoria]108-victoria . [Saint]47-saint ’s madly in love with [you]108-victoria . [I]0-i ’ve never seen [a man]175-a man more besotted . Sure , [he]47-saint may be unorthodox in the way [he]47-saint shows it , but [you]108-victoria have to admit , it ’s romantic that [he]47-saint ’s been so … [Forceful]130-forceful . " [I]130-forceful throw back [my]130-forceful head and laugh . [The couple]2954-the couple glances at [me]130-forceful again , then move away , putting more distance between [us]2954-the couple . Good . Too bad , [Saint]47-saint had n’t gotten the memo as well . "[130-forceful] Keep kidding [yourself]108-victoria that way , [girlfriend]1469-girlfriend — Oh , [I]0-i forgot , [you]108-victoria ’re not really [[my]0-i friend]226-my friend , are [you]108-victoria ? " [I]108-victoria rise to [my]108-victoria feet . "[108-victoria] Please , [V]70-v , do n’t be like that . " [I]70-v turn to leave . "[70-v] [I]0-i admit [Saint]47-saint prompted [us]1471-us to befriend [you]108-victoria . [Our]1471-us friendship may have started out that way , but [we]1471-us 've all grown to like [you]108-victoria ... Hell , [you]108-victoria 've become [my]0-i BFF so damn quickly ... " [I]131-bff pause , then turn to glance at [her]108-victoria , "[131-bff] [BFF]131-bff ? " [I]0-i chew on [my]0-i lower lip . "[0-i] [I]0-i swear . " [She]108-victoria holds up [her]108-victoria hand . "[0-i] [I]0-i want to believe [you]108-victoria ; [I]0-i do . " [I]0-i shift [my]0-i weight from foot to foot . "[0-i] But imagine if [you]108-victoria were in [[my]0-i place]1472-my place and [you]108-victoria found that [your]108-victoria ... Uh ... [The man [you]108-victoria 're interested in]1473-the man you 're interested in goes behind [your]108-victoria back and gets to [the women [you]108-victoria think are [[your]108-victoria friends]1106-your friends]1474-the women you think are your friends . What would [you]108-victoria think of it ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i ... " [she]108-victoria blinks rapidly , "[0-i] [I]0-i 'd think [he]1473-the man you 're interested in cares for [me]0-i ... A lot . " [I]1473-the man you 're interested in scoff , "[1473-the man you 're interested in] Wait until it ’s [your]108-victoria turn and [one of those alphaholes]1476-one of those alphaholes sets [his]1473-the man you 're interested in sights on [you]108-victoria . [I]0-i ’ll be sure to ask [you]108-victoria then , how it feels ... Then again , [I]0-i probably wo n’t be around . " "[0-i] Oh , pfft , " [she]108-victoria waves a hand in the air . "[0-i] Of course , [you]108-victoria ’ll be around . And [I]0-i ’m not [the settling type]1477-the settling type . [I]0-i intend to focus on [myself]0-i . [I]0-i ’ve planned a retreat to rediscover [myself]0-i , " [she]108-victoria beams . [I]108-victoria squint at [her]108-victoria , "[108-victoria] What do [you]108-victoria mean ? " "[108-victoria] [I]0-i am going to take a few weeks off over Christmas . [I]0-i 'm going away to [an isolated cabin in [the countryside]1479-the countryside]1478-an isolated cabin in the countryside . [It]1478-an isolated cabin in the countryside ’s owned by [the Seven]2150-the seven , and it ’s one of the things [Saint]47-saint promised [me]0-i in return for … " [I]47-saint throw up [my]47-saint hands , "[47-saint] Jesus , [I]0-i ca n't believe [you]108-victoria agreed to that . " "[0-i] [I]0-i knew [I]0-i should n't have taken [him]47-saint up on that offer . " [She]108-victoria blinks , "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll refuse [him]47-saint ; [I]0-i wo n't go to [the cabin]1481-the cabin . In fact , [I]0-i 'll tell [him]47-saint [I]0-i do n’t want any credit on the cakes and desserts [I]0-i provided for the wedding party . " [I]47-saint scan [her]108-victoria features . [She]108-victoria wrings [her]108-victoria fingers together , "[47-saint] Shit , [I]0-i ’m sorry , V … [I]0-i really did n't think it would upset [you]0-i this much . " Maybe it 's [me]70-v . Maybe [I]70-v am overreacting . Everything is running away from [me]70-v , this entire sequence of events moving too fast for [me]70-v . [I]70-v hunch [my]70-v shoulders . [I]70-v feel so alone — so damn on [my]70-v own . [Nina]52-nina has always been there for [me]70-v . And [she]52-nina is n’t here ... and [I]70-v have to go through with this sham of a fake wedding . It is the only way to keep on track , and complete what [I]70-v came here to do . [She]52-nina 'd be free and it would all have been worth . It would , right ? "[70-v] [V]70-v , " [Isla]65-isla approaches [me]70-v . "[70-v] [I]0-i 'm sorry . " [I]0-i draw in a breath . "[0-i] Please tell [me]0-i that [you]0-i 're not angry with [us]1482-us . " [I]0-i sigh . "[0-i] Please ... p - l - eee - ase , " [Amelie]62-weston singsongs . [This woman]299-this woman ! [I]0-i may not have known [her]299-this woman long , but [her]299-this woman happy - go - lucky nature is a thing of beauty . [She]299-this woman wears [her]299-this woman heart on [her]299-this woman sleeve , had n't blinked an eye before inviting [me]0-i into [[her]299-this woman home]2956-her home . If there is one thing [I]0-i know , it ’s that when [I]0-i need [her]299-this woman most , [Amelia]64-amelia will be there to help [me]0-i , just like [Nina]52-nina had been . "[0-i] Fine , " [I]78-v. mutter . [She]299-this woman whoops and throws [her]299-this woman arms around [me]78-v. . "[78-v.] OMG ! Thank [you]1483-you , [V.]78-v. Thank [you]1483-you . Everything is going to work out now . [I]0-i promise [you]1483-you . [Saint]47-saint loves [you]1483-you . [He]47-saint really does . " Hell , [he]47-saint 's fooled [all of [them]793-all of them]793-all of them ; but [I]47-saint can see through [him]47-saint . [I]47-saint pat [her]1484-her back , then straighten [my]47-saint shoulders . "[47-saint] Guess [I]0-i 'd better get this over with , huh ? "[0-i]

40

[Saint]47-saint

[She]1484-her had to do it , huh ? [She]1484-her had to take the goddamn USB . [I]0-i 'd checked the drawer after [she]1484-her 'd fallen asleep , when [I]0-i ’d gone to grab [her]1484-her purse , and it was gone . Then because , apparently , [I]0-i have a hidden masochistic side , [I]0-i had checked [her]1484-her purse ... and spotted the fucking thing . Fuck . So this is how it feels to have [your]1485-your life go tits up . [I]0-i toss back the whiskey , then place the empty glass back on the bar counter . [The bartender]1486-the bartender tops it off . [I]0-i lift the glass to [my]0-i lips , take a healthy sip . " Living the dream , [I]62-weston see ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston slaps [me]0-i on the back . [I]0-i chug down the rest of the amber liquid , slap the glass back on the bar . " Easy , [ol' chap]2068-ol' chap . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston leans [his]62-weston hip against the bar , watches as [I]0-i reach across and grab the bottle from [the bartender]1486-the bartender . [I]0-i tilt the bottle of [Macallan]132-macallan ’s Single Malt to [my]0-i mouth , swig from it . " As classy as [your]0-i shoes , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston clicks [his]62-weston tongue . " What ’s fucking wrong with [my]62-weston shoes ? "[62-weston] " A bit worn out for the rest of [your]0-i suit … How much did that set [you]0-i back by ? £ 10,000 ? "[62-weston] " £ 20,000 , "[0-i] [I]0-i toss back more of the whiskey . It burns a path down [my]0-i gullet , and sets off a burn in [my]0-i stomach , " but who ’s counting ? "[62-weston] " Trouble in [paradise]2959-paradise , [I]62-weston take it ? "[62-weston] " Fuck off , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " It ’s only [your]0-i goddamn wedding [we]2960-we ’re here to celebrate , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston smirks . " Fake wedding , [douchebag]2213-douchebag . "[62-weston] " This is exactly how [Sinner]73-sinner started out ... Now look at [him]62-weston , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston jerks [his]62-weston chin . [I]0-i follow [his]62-weston gaze to where [the wanker]2473-the wanker stands in a corner , arms around [Summer]44-summer . [The two]1489-the two are engaged in intense eye - fucking … The kind [I]0-i indulged in with [Gigi]53-gigi . No , that was real fucking … Fuck that … It was some intense shit . The harder [I]0-i took [her]2473-the wanker , the more [she]2473-the wanker gave [me]0-i . The more [I]0-i pushed [her]2473-the wanker , the deeper [her]2473-the wanker resistance grew . Hell , [I]0-i ’d intended to punish [her]2473-the wanker … maybe [myself]0-i , when [I]0-i ’d taken [her]2473-the wanker against the wall . Could n’t stop [myself]0-i from tearing the dress off of [her]2473-the wanker — the beautiful dress [I]0-i ’d imagined [her]2473-the wanker in when [I]0-i ’d bought it . [I]0-i should have blown off this entire fucking party and simply stayed in [[my]0-i suite]843-my suite with [her]2473-the wanker . Hell , [she]2473-the wanker deserves more than [this impersonal hotel space]1491-this impersonal hotel space . [She]2473-the wanker deserves [a home]174-a home[A real one]1493-a real one , with furniture and curtains that [she]2473-the wanker ’s picked out , and all that shit that [women]2103-women seem to thrive on . Not that [Gigi]53-gigi is like [other females]1495-other females . [She]53-gigi is fucking stronger than [she]53-gigi seems . [A sultry seductress whose call [I]0-i ca n’t resist]1496-a sultry seductress whose call i ca n’t resist . One glance at [her]2473-the wanker and [I]0-i lose [myself]0-i . [She]2473-the wanker only has to be in [[my]0-i vicinity]1497-my vicinity for [my]0-i dick to take notice … and other parts of [me]0-i … especially that offending feeling in [my]0-i chest that has assailed [me]0-i since the first time [I]0-i ’d kissed [her]2473-the wanker , " Fuck . "[0-i] [I]0-i raise the bottle to [my]0-i lips and glug down some more of the liquid . " That ’s the economy of [a third world country]2962-a third world country [you]0-i ’re drinking down , by the way . "[0-i] [I]0-i wipe the back of [my]0-i hand over [my]0-i lips , " [I]0-i am not going to apologize for being born into wealth . "[0-i] [I]0-i slap the bottle back on the corner , " Not that it helped when [we]2963-we were kidnapped . "[0-i] " Money ’s overrated , "[1498-he] [he]1498-he rubs the back of [his]1498-he neck . " But it ’s a necessary evil , "[0-i] [I]0-i counter . " Sometimes [I]0-i do wonder what would have happened if [I]0-i ’d stayed with [Doctors]133-doctors without Borders … Would [I]0-i have been less of [a douche]2964-a douche then ? "[0-i] " No , "[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " Touché . "[0-i] [He]1498-he frowns , " And [your]0-i glowering Romeo mood is catching . "[1498-he] " Not glowering , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl , " not [a Romeo]2965-a romeo . "[0-i] The hair at the nape of [my]0-i neck rises ; electricity flickers across [my]0-i nerves . [She]1499-she ’s here . " Here comes [[your]0-i Juliet]2966-your juliet , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston confirms . [I]0-i brace [my]0-i shoulders . Since when have [I]0-i needed [Dutch]134-dutch courage to face [a woman]297-a woman ? Since when have [I]0-i made a habit of drinking enough to layer on a veneer of indifference before facing [a room full of [people]2061-people]1501-a room full of people ? Since [that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch had gotten under [my]0-i skin . " [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch still in mourning ? "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston frowns . " What ? Of course , not , "[62-weston] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " [That piece of shit husband of [hers]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch]2076-that piece of shit husband of hers was one only in name . "[62-weston] " Sure does n’t look that way , given what [she]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ’s wearing . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] " [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch did n’t ... "[0-i] [I]0-i pivot , take in [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch slender figure poised at the entrance . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ’s draped in black . The dress clings to [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch curves , covers every inch of [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch torso , and ends above [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch knees . It is far from the seductive gown [she]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ’d worn earlier … Just the opposite . The high collar grazes the tip of [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch chin — not a sliver of skin on show . The full - length sleeves drape over [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch wrists to cover [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch palms , leaving only [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch fingertips exposed . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ’s wearing high , over - the - knee boots that come to mid - thigh . The six — or is that eight?—inch heels boost [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch legs so they seemed to go on and on . Slender yet muscled , perfect to coil around [my]0-i waist . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch takes a step forward and a slim band of skin peeks out between [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch dress and boots . [I]0-i ’m instantly hard — Okay , harder . By any standards , [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch dress is more than demure … And that ’s the issue , because the flash of skin is almost obscene , given every other inch of [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch is covered in black . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch raises a hand to flip down the veil attached to the jaunty hair accessory attached to [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch sleek hair . The thick strands are caught up and tied at the nape of [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch neck in a demure bun — that screams for [a man]175-a man ’s hands to rip out the pins and drape the waterfall of dark desire about [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch shoulders . The slash of red across [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch lips highlights [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch full , pouty lips . The overall effect is part widow - part slut . " Fuck , "[0-i] [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i fingers into fists . Next to [me]0-i , [Weston]62-weston grimaces , " [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ’s doing it on purpose , to get a response out of [you]0-i . "[62-weston] " No shit , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch wants [you]0-i to lose [your]0-i shit in front of [all of [the guests]2065-the guests]2968-all of the guests , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston warns . " The fuck [I]62-weston care ? "[62-weston] " [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ’s baiting [you]0-i , [Saint]47-saint . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] " [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch fucking succeeded . "[0-i] [I]0-i take a step toward [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch . " [You]0-i do n’t want to do this , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston grips [my]0-i shoulder . [I]0-i shake [him]62-weston off , " Oh , but [I]0-i do . "[0-i] [I]0-i pause , shoot [him]62-weston a sideways glance , " Can [you]62-weston ensure that [all the paparazzi]2970-all the paparazzi have [their]2970-all the paparazzi cameras on [us]2971-us ? "[0-i] [He]62-weston frowns , " [You]0-i sure about this ? "[62-weston] " A hundred fucking percent . "[0-i] [I]0-i stalk toward [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch . [A guest]1505-a guest steps in [my]0-i path . " Fuck off , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl at [the man clad in an ill - fitted suit]1506-the man clad in an ill - fitted suit . [He]62-weston pales , then draws [himself]62-weston up , " [I]62-weston did n’t come here to be insulted . "[62-weston] " Too fucking bad , [you]62-weston just were . "[62-weston] " [You]62-weston ’ll pay for this . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston holds up [his]62-weston phone , snaps what is , no doubt , a shot that ’s going to be all over the internet . " Knock [yourself]62-weston out , [tosser]1027-tosser . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston ’s confirmed that it had been the right decision to invite [every piece of shit news reporter]1507-every piece of shit news reporter and [key influencer in [town]2579-town]1508-key influencer in town . [I]0-i walk toward [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch as [men]2104-men and [women]2103-women step aside , [their]1512-their gazes tracking [my]0-i progress . Good . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch takes a few steps forward , [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch gaze fixed on [me]0-i . [I]0-i thrust out [my]0-i chest . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch tips up [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch chin . [I]0-i look [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch up and down . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch props a palm on [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch hip , angles [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch body . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch strikes a pose , ensuring [I]0-i take in every detail of how the fabric clings to the slope of [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch shoulders , the thrust of [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch breasts , the tiny waist ensconced in lace . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch leans [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch weight to the side and the dress pulls tightly on [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch thigh . [My]0-i cock twitches . [I]0-i hasten [my]0-i pace . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch stays rooted , [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch chest visibly rising and falling . [I]0-i near [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch and the color from [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch already pale cheeks leeches out . " [You]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch going to faint ? "[0-i] [I]0-i curl [my]0-i lips , " Not had [your]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch orange juice or whatever it is [you]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch need to stave of the shakes ? "[0-i] [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch firms [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch jaw , " [Your]0-i concern is touching . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch pretends to flick a tear from [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch cheek , " Went straight to [my]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch heart . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [My]0-i lips twitch , " And [I]0-i was n't even trying . "[0-i] [I]0-i come to a halt so close that [she]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch has to tilt [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch head right back to keep [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch gaze locked with [mine]0-i . A single strand escapes from the hairdo and floats across [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch cheek . " [You]0-i ’ve made [your]0-i choice , hmm ? "[0-i] [I]0-i raise a hand . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch flinches . [I]0-i twine the hair around [my]0-i finger , then tuck it back behind [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ear . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch swallows , " It seems that way , does n’t it ? "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [Her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch voice is firm , " [You]0-i do [you]0-i , [Saint]47-saint . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch bites down on [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch lower lip and [my]0-i gaze drops there . " Oh , [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch plan to do [you]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch first , [darling wife]2973-darling wife . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [I]0-i swoop out [my]0-i arm , wind it around [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch waist , and haul [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch to [me]0-i with such force , [she]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch crashes into [me]0-i — from breasts to waist to hips , [she]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ’s plastered to [me]0-i . [Her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch gaze widens and fear trembles off of [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch . " Do n’t disappoint [me]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch now , [[my]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch love]2974-my love . This is what [you]2974-my love wanted — an open spectacle in front of [the world]212-the world , with every eye on [us]2976-us . A signal to those [you]2974-my love work for that [you]2974-my love ’ve accomplished what [you]2974-my love set out to do . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [Her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch throat moves ; [she]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch wets [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch lips and lowers [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch gaze to [my]0-i mouth . " Yes … "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [she]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch whispers . " It ’s what [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch need . [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch want [you]0-i to hate [me]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch , [Saint]47-saint . Everything [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ’ve done is so [you]0-i abhor [me]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch — so [you]0-i forget [me]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch when [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch leave . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] " Where are [you]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch going ? "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] " Somewhere [you]0-i wo n’t be able to find [me]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch , "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch smile twists . A single tear rolls down [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch cheek . " Save the fucking histrionics , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . " [I]0-i love [you]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch , does n’t mean [I]0-i am going to let [you]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch get away with this . "[0-i] [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch stares , then chuckles , and a giggle spills from [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch begins to laugh . " The fuck is wrong with [you]0-i ? "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch glances past [me]0-i , pales . " What is it ? "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [I]0-i frown . " Kiss [me]0-i . "[0-i] " What ? "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch throws [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch arms around [my]0-i neck , raises [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch chin , presses [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch lips to [mine]0-i . " Do n’t — "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch bites on [my]0-i lips , digs [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch fingertips into [my]0-i hair and drags them across [my]0-i scalp . [My]0-i groin hardens and [my]0-i vision tunnels . A groan tears out of [me]0-i . Fucking fuck , [I]0-i ca n’t refuse [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch , [I]0-i ca n’t resist [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch . Fuck [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch for rendering [me]0-i so helpless . [I]0-i drag [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch up to tiptoe , deepen the kiss . [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch sucks on [my]0-i tongue , kisses [me]0-i back with a fervor that borders on desperation . The hair on [my]0-i nape rises . [My]0-i heart twists in [my]0-i chest . This entire sequence of events , starting with [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch walking into [that office]1513-that office and asking [me]0-i for help … Was any of it real ? A hollow sensation roils in [my]0-i stomach . A bead of sweat slides down [my]0-i back . [I]0-i tear [my]0-i mouth from [hers]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch . " The fuck is happening ? "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch swallows , peers into [my]0-i eyes . " Tell [me]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch , [Gigi]53-gigi , [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch can help [you]53-gigi . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [I]0-i scan [her]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch anguished features . " [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch ca n’t let [you]0-i , "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [she]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch whispers . " No , "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [my]0-i pulse begins to race , " do n’t do this . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] [She]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch cups [my]0-i cheek . " Promise [me]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch , [you]0-i ’ll put this behind [you]0-i , and move on . "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] " The fuck [you]53-gigi talking about , [woman]1169-woman . If [you]53-gigi think [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch am going to let [you]53-gigi put [yourself]53-gigi in danger , [you]53-gigi ’ve got another think coming . [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch wo n’t allow it , [Gigi]53-gigi , [I]1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch — "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] " [You]108-victoria ready to leave , [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[1503-that bloody beautiful , dark - haired witch] a new voice booms . [My]0-i heart slams into [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i swing around to face a familiar face . " [You]1514-you ? "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl , " The fuck [you]1514-you doing [here]260-here ? "[0-i]

41

[Victoria]108-victoria

" Hello , [Antonio]87-antonio . "[1514-you] [He]1514-you comes forward , arm outstretched . Beside [me]0-i , [Saint]47-saint stiffens , " Get the fuck away from [her]108-victoria . "[47-saint] " Afraid it does n’t work quite that way , [old sport]2642-old sport . "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio turns to [me]0-i , " [You]0-i going to tell [[your]0-i new husband]2980-your new husband , or should [I]87-antonio ? "[87-antonio] [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , " [I]87-antonio need a second . "[87-antonio] " [You]0-i ’ve run out of time . "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio smiles , white teeth flashing against tanned skin . [He]87-antonio prowls toward [me]0-i . [I]0-i shudder , take a step back . [Saint]47-saint ’s warmth envelopes [me]0-i ; [he]47-saint wraps an arm around [my]0-i waist . " [You]0-i do n’t have to do this , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint whispers in [my]0-i ear . [I]0-i do . [I]0-i do n’t have a choice . If [I]0-i do n’t do as [he]47-saint says , [he]47-saint ’ll kill [the friend who ’s meant more to [me]0-i than [any family]1516-any family]1515-the friend who ’s meant more to me than any family . No , [I]0-i have to do this , with no help from [anyone else]369-anyone else . [I]0-i yank at [Saint]47-saint ’s arm . [His]47-saint muscles flex , " [I]0-i am not letting [you]47-saint go . "[0-i] " [I]0-i was never [yours]2981-yours to begin with . "[0-i] " The fuck ? "[47-saint] [he]47-saint explodes . [I]0-i elbow [him]47-saint in the waist . [He]47-saint huffs and [his]47-saint grip loosens enough for [me]0-i to pull away . [I]0-i turn on [him]47-saint , " [I]0-i ’m leaving [you]47-saint . "[0-i] " What ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint frowns , scans [my]0-i features then chuckles , " [You]0-i ’re getting back at [me]47-saint for [my]47-saint asshole attitude , huh ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint lowers [his]47-saint voice , " [You]0-i know that ’s because [I]47-saint ca n’t help [myself]47-saint . It ’s in [my]47-saint blood , [I]47-saint 'm [a born wanker]2982-a born wanker . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint raises [his]47-saint shoulders , " but for [you]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi ... For [you]0-i , [I]47-saint ’d change . "[47-saint] [I]0-i swallow , then shake [my]0-i head . " [You]47-saint ... won’t . "[47-saint] [I]0-i do n’t want [you]47-saint to . " [Your]47-saint uncompromising meanness is too much a part of [you]47-saint . Besides … this entire arrangement between [us]2983-us was a farce . "[0-i] " Not for [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint takes a step forward , " It may have started off that way , but [I]47-saint developed feelings for [you]0-i . "[47-saint] " Like [I]0-i care ? "[0-i] " Of course , [you]0-i do , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint growls . " [You]0-i love [me]47-saint , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[47-saint] " No , "[0-i] [I]0-i back away from [him]47-saint . " Yes . [You]0-i do . [You]0-i ’re too frightened to admit it . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint glares past [me]0-i . " What does [he]47-saint have on [you]0-i ? "[47-saint] " Nothing . "[0-i] [I]0-i retreat another step . [Antonio]87-antonio ’s heat assails [me]0-i . [My]0-i skin crawls . [My]0-i fingers jerk . Do n’t shrink back ; do n’t show how afraid [you]0-i are right now . [His]47-saint massive hand descends on [my]0-i shoulder . The blood drains from [my]0-i face . " Do n’t fucking touch [her]2984-her , "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ’s feet do n’t seem to touch the ground as [he]47-saint crosses the distance between [us]1518-us . " Do n’t come closer , "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " Stop right there , "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio snaps . [Saint]47-saint ’s jaw tics . A vein throbs at [his]47-saint temple . [He]47-saint folds [his]47-saint fingers into fists , and [his]47-saint entire body tenses . [A woman]297-a woman screams . [People]2061-people scramble back . [I]0-i glance sideways and freeze . [Antonio]87-antonio holds a gun , its barrel trained on [Saint]47-saint . [My]0-i heart jackknifes in [my]0-i chest . " [You]87-antonio promised , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " [You]87-antonio said [you]87-antonio would n’t hurt [him]47-saint . [You]87-antonio promised that if [I]0-i gave [you]87-antonio what [you]87-antonio needed , [you]87-antonio ’d release [[my]0-i friend]226-my friend . "[0-i] " Maybe [I]87-antonio lied , "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio smiles , [his]87-antonio thin upper lip a slash across [his]87-antonio face , " maybe [I]87-antonio did n’t . It ’s up to [you]0-i how this plays out . "[87-antonio] [I]0-i swallow . " Tell [him]47-saint to stand back . "[0-i] " Stop hiding behind [her]226-my friend , [[you]0-i coward]2986-you coward , "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint growls . " Let [her]226-my friend go and fight [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] Shit , shit , shit . The hell is [he]47-saint doing ? " Shut up , [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . [He]47-saint glares at [me]0-i , the skin around [his]47-saint eyes crinkling . " Do n’t tell [me]47-saint what to do , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint pulls back [his]47-saint shoulders . " This once , will [you]47-saint listen to [me]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper - shout . " [She]2987-she has a point , "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston walks forward . [Antonio]87-antonio points the gun at [him]62-weston , but [he]47-saint raises [his]47-saint hands , " Easy there . "[47-saint] [Antonio]87-antonio turns back to [Saint]47-saint . " For someone who was kidnapped and tortured , [you]47-saint turned out well . "[87-antonio] " Tortured ? "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . [Saint]47-saint ’s jaw hardens , " Let [her]2987-she go , and [you]47-saint and [I]47-saint can talk this out . "[47-saint] " Oh ? "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint nods . " What do [you]47-saint want ? Money ? Fame ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint glances around at [the assembled paparazzi]1521-the assembled paparazzi . " Though why [you]47-saint ’d want every single camera in [the country]200-the country on [your]47-saint back — "[47-saint] " Not [mine]0-i . [Yours]0-i . "[47-saint] " What ? "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio turns to [me]0-i , " Hand it over . "[87-antonio] " What ’s [he]47-saint talking about ? "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint growls . [I]0-i nudge [my]0-i fingers into [my]0-i purse , pull out the flash drive . " [I]0-i believe this is what [you]47-saint are looking for , "[0-i] [I]0-i hold it out to [him]47-saint . [He]47-saint turns the gun on [me]0-i . " Do n't attempt anything funny . "[47-saint] There ’s an indrawn breath from [Saint]47-saint . [Tension]135-tension screams off of [him]47-saint . Does [he]47-saint recognize it ? Does [he]47-saint realize it ’s the USB from [his]47-saint desk ? Will [he]47-saint ever forgive [me]0-i ? " No , [tricks]2989-tricks . "[0-i] [I]0-i raise the device , " Take it . Everything [you]47-saint want is on that . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint holds out [his]47-saint palm and [I]0-i drop the device onto it . [He]47-saint pockets it , then grabs [me]0-i and holds the gun to [my]0-i temple . Sweat beads [my]0-i upper lip . [My]0-i heart races so fast , [I]0-i am sure it ’s going to break out of [my]0-i ribcage . [My]0-i knees buckle and the world tilts around [me]0-i . [Antonio]87-antonio tightens [his]87-antonio hold on [my]0-i waist , yanking [me]0-i closer . [I]0-i flinch , hunch [my]0-i shoulders . " Let go of [[my]47-saint wife]851-my wife , "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint growls . " [Wife]1239-wife ? "[47-saint] [Antonio]87-antonio laughs , " Is that what [you]47-saint call this relationship ? "[87-antonio] [Saint]47-saint ’s shoulders bunch , " Shut the fuck up . "[87-antonio] " Have [you]47-saint told [her]851-my wife what [they]2992-they did to [you]47-saint when [you]47-saint were kidnapped ? "[0-i] [I]0-i half angle [my]0-i body , glance from [Saint]47-saint to [Antonio]87-antonio . " Of course , [I]0-i know about the incident , "[0-i] [I]0-i force [my]0-i voice to stay steady . " Oh ? "[0-i] [Antonio]87-antonio begins to inch back . " Has [he]47-saint told [you]47-saint what [they]2992-they did to [him]47-saint in [that cell]2993-that cell ? How [they]2992-they tortured [him]47-saint and [[his]47-saint friends]925-his friends ? How [they]2992-they systematically broke [him]47-saint ? "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint growls low in [his]47-saint throat . The fine hair on the nape of [my]0-i neck rise . " Of course , [he]47-saint did . [We]2995-we[we]2995-we have no secrets . "[47-saint] Shit , what am [I]0-i saying ? What does it matter that [Antonio]87-antonio is trying to push [Saint]47-saint until [he]87-antonio loses control ? Why can [I]0-i not allow that ? [I]0-i straighten [my]0-i shoulders . [I]0-i need to deflect [Antonio]87-antonio ’ attention for as long as [I]0-i can . " [You]0-i told [him]47-saint [your]0-i secrets , [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[0-i] [I]0-i pale . " [I]87-antonio … Have none . "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio grins , " [You]0-i ’ll have to do better than that . "[87-antonio] [He]87-antonio jerks [his]87-antonio chin toward [Saint]47-saint , " Even [[your]0-i husband]2055-your husband does n’t believe [you]0-i . "[87-antonio] Do n’t look , do n’t . [I]0-i swing [my]0-i head in [Saint]47-saint ’ direction . [He]47-saint ’s glaring at [me]0-i , [his]47-saint features contorted . [His]47-saint blue eyes blaze with … Anger ? Hate ? [My]0-i pulse rate kicks up . Shit , why does [his]47-saint opinion of [me]0-i matter ? " [I]0-i never withheld anything from [you]47-saint . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance away , " Not out of choice , at least . "[0-i] " [I]0-i believe [you]47-saint . "[0-i] [I]0-i whip [my]0-i gaze to [his]47-saint face , " [You]47-saint do ? "[0-i] " Of course . All of [your]47-saint actions have a reason . "[0-i] " Oh ! "[0-i] [My]0-i heart stutters and warmth coils in [my]0-i chest . " [You]47-saint believe [me]0-i ? "[0-i] " Always . "[0-i] [Saint]47-saint ’s lips twist , " Even [your]47-saint lies tell [me]47-saint a story . "[47-saint] " [Saint]47-saint , [I]0-i — "[0-i] [I]0-i step forward . [Antonio]87-antonio pulls [me]0-i back . [I]0-i cry out . [Saint]47-saint jumps forward . " Stop right there , "[47-saint] [Antonio]87-antonio aims [his]87-antonio pistol at [[my]0-i husband]182-my husband . " [I]0-i[I]0-i ’m fine , "[0-i] [I]0-i choke out . " Do n’t come close . "[0-i] [Saint]47-saint ’s throat moves as [he]47-saint swallows . " Get away from [her]2997-her , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint growls . “ Get back . ”[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio , waves [his]87-antonio gun and [the crowd]534-the crowd scrambles away . " The rest of [you]2998-you too . "[0-i] [I]0-i survey [the room]319-the room and find [Sinclair]45-sinclair — with [Summer]44-summer behind [him]45-sinclair[Weston]62-weston , [Damian]50-damian and [Edward]74-edward standing in a semicircle . [Amelie]62-weston and [the girls]456-the girls are clustered in a corner away from the action . [Antonio]87-antonio jerks [his]87-antonio chin , " [I]87-antonio wo n’t warn [you]2998-you again . "[87-antonio] Get back , [[you]1526-you guys]2381-you guys , " [Saint]47-saint growls . [Weston]62-weston hesitates . [Damian]50-damian and [Edward]74-edward stay unmoving . [Sinclair]45-sinclair balls [his]45-sinclair fists at [his]45-sinclair sides . "[87-antonio] [She]1528-she ’s [[my]0-i wife]851-my wife , " [Saint]47-saint ’s shoulders bunch , "[0-i] [I]0-i take the risks . " "[0-i] Fuck that , " [Weston]62-weston scowls . "[0-i] [We]1530-we have each other ’s backs . " "[1530-we] So what if [we]1530-we do n’t always like [each other]2117-each other , " [Sinclair]45-sinclair mutters . "[63-baron] Except [Baron]63-baron . " [Damian]50-damian glowers . "[63-baron] [He]63-baron prefers to keep [his]63-baron shit separate . " "[63-baron] Fucking [Baron]63-baron , " [Edward]74-edward agrees . [Antonio]87-antonio glances between [them]2381-you guys , "[63-baron] [[You]1532-you guys]2381-you guys are insane . " "[1532-you] Am [I]0-i late … ? " [Arpad]75-arpad walks in with a blonde on [his]75-arpad arm . [She]1534-she screams . There ’s a soft pop . [I]0-i blink at the gun in [Saint]47-saint ’s hand . Where the hell had [he]47-saint kept it hidden ? [Antonio]87-antonio staggers . "[0-i] Fuck , " [he]87-antonio swears aloud , takes another step back . "[0-i] Let [her]1534-she go , " [Saint]47-saint growls . [Antonio]87-antonio retreats toward the door , keeping [me]0-i between [him]87-antonio and [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] Ask [[your]1535-your husband]2055-your husband to put down [his]2055-your husband weapon , or [you]1535-your ’re going to be widowed twice over , " [Antonio]87-antonio growls . "[0-i] No , do n’t hurt [him]2055-your husband . " [My]47-saint pulse rate goes through the roof . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint , " [I]2055-your husband swallow , "[2055-your husband] do as [he]2055-your husband says . Please . " [Saint]47-saint does n’t move . [His]47-saint gaze is fixed on [my]2055-your husband face . [His]47-saint features are hard , [his]47-saint eyes glaring pools of blue . Is [he]47-saint angry at [me]2055-your husband ? Why is [he]47-saint angry at [me]2055-your husband ? [Antonio]87-antonio reaches the door . "[2055-your husband] Say goodbye . " "[2055-your husband] No , " [I]2055-your husband snarl , helplessness filling [me]2055-your husband . "[2055-your husband] [You]47-saint ca n’t do this . [I]0-i did everything [you]47-saint asked [me]0-i to do . " "[0-i] Too bad [I]0-i never keep [my]0-i word . " [Antonio]87-antonio raises [his]87-antonio gun toward [me]0-i . Flashes light up around [me]0-i , then everything goes dark .[0-i]

42

[Saint]47-saint

" Fuck , fuck , fuck . "[0-i] [I]0-i pace the floor in [the waiting room in [the hospital]1538-the hospital]1537-the waiting room in the hospital . " [I]0-i am [[her]2999-her husband]223-her husband . [I]0-i should be in there with [her]2999-her . "[0-i] [Damian]50-damian watches [me]0-i from the chair [he]50-damian ’s sprawled in . " [You]0-i did a good enough job convincing [the doctor in charge]3001-the doctor in charge to allow [Weston]62-weston to be present . "[50-damian] " [He]0-i ’s [a doctor]2105-a doctor , is n’t [he]0-i ? "[0-i] " [A surgeon]2416-a surgeon[A heart surgeon]3004-a heart surgeon , no less . "[75-arpad] [Arpad]75-arpad straightens from the window , where ’d [he]75-arpad ’d taken up position since [we]1539-we ’d arrived at [the hospital]1538-the hospital . " So ? [He]0-i ’s [the only medical professional [I]75-arpad ’ll trust [her]2999-her with]3005-the only medical professional i ’ll trust her with . "[75-arpad] " [Saint]47-saint , [you]47-saint ’re being unreasonable . "[50-damian] [Damian]50-damian frowns , " [This]3006-this is [the best hospital in [the city]274-the city]3007-the best hospital in the city , and [the doctor [you]47-saint have attending]3009-the doctor you have attending is [a specialist]3010-a specialist . "[50-damian] " Fuck that . [Ca]136-ca n’t trust [anyone]280-anyone , and [you]47-saint know that . "[50-damian] [Damian]50-damian draws in a breath , " Ca n’t say [I]50-damian disagree with [you]47-saint , but has it occurred to [you]47-saint that [you]47-saint ’re not helping things with [your]47-saint crazy , possessive streak . [I]50-damian turn on [him]50-damian . "[50-damian] Wait until [you]50-damian fall in love and it ’s [[your]50-damian wife]2629-your wife in there fighting for [her]2629-your wife life — " [He]50-damian raises a hand , "[2629-your wife] Shit 's not for [me]0-i . [You]1542-you and [Sinner]73-sinner , collapsing one after the other … Nah , seeing what [you]1542-you two went through is more than enough to put [me]0-i off any kind of relationship , let alone marriage . " "[2629-your wife] Famous last words , " [Sinner]73-sinner walks in , [his]73-sinner arm around [Summer]44-summer . [Summer]44-summer breaks away and stops in front of [me]2629-your wife . "[2629-your wife] How is [she]2629-your wife ? " [I]2629-your wife drag [my]2629-your wife fingers through [my]2629-your wife hair , try to speak but the words stick in [my]2629-your wife throat . [I]2629-your wife turn and begin to pace again . [Damian]50-damian replies , "[2629-your wife] [She]2629-your wife ’s in surgery ; [Weston]62-weston is in with [her]2629-your wife . " "[585-the doctor] [The doctor]585-the doctor allowed [him]62-weston in ? " [Sinclair]45-sinclair frowns . "[585-the doctor] [Romeo]137-romeo here did n’t give [him]62-weston a choice , " [Damian]50-damian mutters . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston nearly decked [the paramedic who asked [him]62-weston to release [her]2629-your wife into [their]1544-the paramedic who asked him to release her into their care care]1544-the paramedic who asked him to release her into their care , " [Arpad]75-arpad grimaces . "[60-asshole] [Asshole]60-asshole dared to ask [me]0-i to stand back from [her]2629-your wife , " [I]60-asshole growl . "[60-asshole] Only because [they]1544-the paramedic who asked him to release her into their care needed to check [her]2629-your wife vitals . [You]1545-you understand that , do n’t [you]1545-you ? " [Damian]50-damian straightens . "[1545-you] Honestly , [you]1545-you needed to take a chill pill , and let [the professionals]1546-the professionals get on with [their]1546-the professionals work . [You]1545-you were only getting in [their]1544-the paramedic who asked him to release her into their care way . " [I]1545-you take a step toward [him]62-weston . [Arpad]75-arpad and [Sinclair]45-sinclair both step in front of [me]1545-you . [Edward]74-edward ignores the proceedings , [his]74-edward face buried in a book , in the chair [he]74-edward ’s occupied since [we]3012-we ’d arrived [here]260-here . "[1545-you] Hold on , " [Sinclair]45-sinclair reaches for [me]1545-you . [I]1545-you sidestep [him]45-sinclair , "[1545-you] Do n’t fucking touch [me]0-i , [man]2109-man . " "[2109-man] Sure , " [Sinclair]45-sinclair rocks back on [his]45-sinclair heels , "[2109-man] It ’s understandable [you]1545-you ’re feeling on edge and all . [I]0-i get it . " "[0-i] Oh , do [you]2109-man now ? " [I]2109-man smirk . "[2109-man] Just because [you]2109-man ’re married and all that shit , [you]2109-man think [you]2109-man understand how it feels to have [the woman [you]2109-man wronged]1548-the woman you wronged take a fucking bullet for [you]2109-man ? " "[98-jesus] [Jesus]98-jesus , [Saint]47-saint , [you]2109-man ’re living up to [your]2109-man name . " "[2109-man] The fuck [you]2109-man mean ? " "[2109-man] [You]2109-man ’re taking the sins of [the entire world]2796-the entire world on [yourself]2109-man . See what [I]0-i did there ? " [Sin]90-sin raises an eyebrow and smirks . "[2109-man] [[You]2109-man douche]1550-you douche , this is not the time to indulge in fucking word play . " "[1551-the man who has a riddle to suit every occasion] Says [the man who has a riddle to suit every occasion]1551-the man who has a riddle to suit every occasion , " [Arpad]75-arpad mutters . "[1551-the man who has a riddle to suit every occasion] Not this one . " [I]0-i dig [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair , tug on the strands . "[0-i] [My]0-i mind ’s a fucking blank . " Also , not true . All [I]0-i can think of is [her]3014-her pale face , [her]3014-her limp figure crumpling to the floor . [I]0-i ’d raced toward [her]3014-her and caught [her]3014-her before [she]3014-her had hurt [herself]3014-her further , thank fuck . [I]0-i ’d carried [her]3014-her out and to [the ambulance]3015-the ambulance , [I]0-i ’d refused to let go of [her]3014-her hand on the ride here . [I]0-i flex [my]0-i fingers . Blood stains [my]0-i palm ; [I]0-i stare at it . [My]0-i heart begins to race . The scars on [my]0-i soles itch . Whack - whack - whack . [I]0-i flinch . "[0-i] Answer this , [boy]1552-boy , and [you]1552-boy go free . " It ’s a trick , always a trick . [He]1552-boy asks [me]47-saint questions to which [I]47-saint never have the answers . This is how [he]1552-boy plays with [me]47-saint . Traps [me]47-saint in [my]47-saint mind , trying to crack the puzzles . [I]47-saint ’ve never gotten an answer right so far . Goddamn [him]1552-boy . It ’s a sure way to mess with [my]47-saint head . [He]1552-boy ’ll never let [me]47-saint go free , not even if [I]47-saint get it right . Damn [him]1552-boy , [he]1552-boy ’s screwing with [me]47-saint . If [I]47-saint get out of here alive , [I]47-saint ’ll never be caught unaware . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint . " [I]47-saint ’ll read up until [I]47-saint know the answer to every fucking question ever . [No one]2059-no one will ever ask [me]47-saint a riddle again . [I]47-saint ’ll be [the one in control]3017-the one in control . Always . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ! " There ’s a touch on [my]47-saint shoulder , [I]47-saint pivot around , fists raised in front . "[47-saint] Easy , " [Sinner]73-sinner steps back , putting distance between [us]3018-us . [Damian]50-damian and [Arpad]75-arpad freeze . [Edward]74-edward slaps [his]74-edward book shut , "[47-saint] The answer ’s a minute at a time . " "[47-saint] What ? " [I]47-saint frown . [He]74-edward places [his]74-edward book on the seat next to [him]74-edward , then leans forward , "[47-saint] The answer to the question that ’s on [your]47-saint mind . " "[1553-you] [You]1553-you [a mind reader]1554-a mind reader now , along with being [a priest]1555-a priest ? " [I]1553-you glower . "[1553-you] If the occasion demands . " [Edward]74-edward places [his]74-edward elbows on [his]74-edward knees , "[1553-you] [You]1553-you ’re wondering how [you]1553-you ’re going to get through the time [she]1556-she ’s in [there]220-there ? " "[1553-you] Fuck off . " [Edward]74-edward winces , "[1553-you] [I]0-i ’ll let that pass , this time . " [He]74-edward raises [his]74-edward hand . "[0-i] [Your]47-saint turn to ask a riddle . " [I]0-i glare at [him]74-edward , "[0-i] Fuck that . " "[0-i] Fine , [I]0-i ’ll go then . " [He]74-edward smiles , "[0-i] [A prison [you]47-saint feel safe in]1558-a prison you feel safe in , yet never quite happy . Whenever [you]47-saint try to leave , it only grows bigger . " [He]74-edward glances around [the space]532-the space , "[47-saint] Anyone get it ? " "[47-saint] [Comfort Zone]32-comfort zone ? " [Arpad]75-arpad ventures . [Edward]74-edward nods , "[47-saint] Very good . " "[47-saint] Here ’s another . " [He]74-edward taps [his]74-edward fingers together , "[47-saint] If [you]47-saint break [me]0-i , [I]0-i do not stop working ; if [you]47-saint touch [me]0-i , [I]0-i may be snared ; if [you]47-saint lose [me]0-i , nothing will matter . What am [I]0-i ? " "[0-i] [Your]0-i heart ? " [Damian]50-damian asks , then stares at [Edward]74-edward , "[0-i] Shit , there ’s a parable hidden somewhere in that , is n’t there ? " "[0-i] Of course , there is , " [I]74-edward growl . "[74-edward] [Edward]74-edward here , is [a cheeky bugger]1559-a cheeky bugger . [He]74-edward leverages [his]74-edward status as [a priest]1555-a priest to get away with sin . " [Edward]74-edward loses some of [his]74-edward color . [He]74-edward straightens , then shakes [his]74-edward finger , "[74-edward] Not gon na distract [me]0-i there , [Saint]2364-saint . " [I]2364-saint snarl . [His]74-edward grin widens . [He]74-edward lowers [his]74-edward hands , "[2364-saint] The more [you]1562-you carry it with [you]1562-you , the heavier a burden it becomes . What is it ? " Silence . [He]74-edward scans the faces of [the group assembled]3020-the group assembled , "[2059-no one] [No one]2059-no one ? " "[2059-no one] Go on , [Father]99-father , tell [us]1564-us , " [Arpad]75-arpad drums [his]75-arpad fingers on [his]75-arpad chest . "[99-father] A guilty conscience . " [Edward]74-edward 's lips kick up in a smile . "[99-father] Enough , " [I]99-father snarl . "[99-father] Spit out whatever it is [you]99-father are trying to say . " "[99-father] Do [you]99-father have one ? " [Edward]74-edward asks [me]99-father . "[99-father] [Mine]99-father ’s bigger than [yours]99-father , [Father]99-father . " "[99-father] Not getting into that argument with [you]99-father . " [Edward]74-edward ’s grin widens , "[0-i] [I]0-i mean , do [you]99-father have a guilty conscience ? " [I]99-father run a finger under [my]99-father collar . "[99-father] Of course , not . " "[99-father] [You]99-father could have fooled [me]0-i , " [Edward]74-edward ’s eyes twinkle . "[99-father] Okay … So [I]0-i owe [her]1565-her an apology . " Fucking more than an apology , actually . "[0-i] [I]0-i owe [her]1565-her [my]0-i life . " [I]0-i rake [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . "[0-i] [I]0-i was careless ; [I]0-i panicked when [that fucker]1331-that fucker restrained [her]1565-her . [He]1331-that fucker touched [her]1565-her and [I]0-i could n’t do anything about it . " [I]1331-that fucker crack [my]1331-that fucker neck from side to side , "[1331-that fucker] [I]0-i wo n’t let [that bastard]2407-that bastard live . " "[1331-that fucker] [He]1331-that fucker let [her]1565-her live . " [Weston]62-weston enters [the room]319-the room , wearing [his]62-weston surgical garb . "[1331-that fucker] What ? " [I]1331-that fucker turn around , "[1331-that fucker] What do [you]1331-that fucker mean ? How is [she]1565-her … ? " [He]62-weston watches [me]1565-her with a considering gaze . [My]1565-her throat closes . "[1565-her] Is [she]1565-her ? " [my]1565-her voice cracks . Jesus , fuck . [I]1565-her curl [my]1565-her fingers into fists , "[1565-her] Tell [me]0-i [Weston]62-weston , or so help [me]0-i [I]0-i ’ll — " "[1331-that fucker] [He]1331-that fucker could have shot [her]1565-her in the chest or in the head , but [he]1331-that fucker did n’t . " [Weston]62-weston rubs the back of [his]62-weston neck . "[1331-that fucker] " [He]1331-that fucker shot [her]1565-her , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " [She]1565-her was bleeding . "[0-i] " It was a flesh wound . "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . " What ? "[0-i] [Damian]50-damian straightens . [Edward]74-edward rises to [his]74-edward feet . [Arpad]75-arpad , [Sinclair]45-sinclair and [Summer]44-summer move in closer . " So … [She]1565-her ’s fine … ? "[44-summer] " [The doc]588-the doc stitched [her]1565-her up , but [she]1565-her ’s okay . "[45-sinclair] " Right . "[44-summer] The knot in [my]0-i chest eases . [I]0-i head for the entrance when [a nurse]1568-a nurse enters . " [The patient]3023-the patient is asking for — "[1568-a nurse] " [Me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i step forward , " [I]1568-a nurse ’m [[her]3023-the patient husband]223-her husband . "[1568-a nurse] [She]1568-a nurse glances past [me]0-i , " [Dr Weston]138-weston , [she]3023-the patient wants to see [you]0-i . "[1568-a nurse] " There ’s a mistake . "[0-i] [I]0-i frown , " [She]3023-the patient must have asked for [me]1569-the nurse . [Saint]47-saint ? [She]3023-the patient ’s [[my]1569-the nurse wife]851-my wife . "[1569-the nurse] [The nurse]1569-the nurse ’s features taken on an expression of pity . [I]0-i stiffen . [I]0-i hate that look , have seen enough of it . " Let [me]0-i through , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [I]0-i brush past [her]1568-a nurse and [she]1568-a nurse touches [my]0-i arm , " [I]1568-a nurse ’m sorry , but [she]1568-a nurse does n’t want to see [you]0-i . "[1568-a nurse]

43

[Victoria]108-victoria

[I]0-i dig [my]0-i fingers into the hospital bed . [My]0-i shoulder throbs . The pain from the gunshot wound matches the throbbing sensation in [my]0-i chest . At least [they]1570-they pulse in synchrony . That has to count for something , huh ? A giggle bubbles up [my]0-i throat . Hell , do n't lose [your]1571-you shit now . Deep breath , stay calm . [You]1571-you ’ve come this far ; [you]1571-you can see it through to the end . [I]0-i shut [my]0-i eyes and see [Saint]47-saint ’s face — [his]47-saint concern , the way [he]47-saint ’d seemed to appear from out of nowhere and catch [me]0-i as [I]0-i fell . The last thing [I]0-i remember is the fear in [his]47-saint eyes , the paleness of [his]47-saint beautiful features , the vein throbbing at [his]47-saint temple . Then [his]47-saint arms had closed around [me]0-i , [he]47-saint ’d cradled [me]0-i to [his]47-saint chest , and [I]0-i had felt safe … Safe , despite the fact that [I]0-i ’d been shot . [I]0-i ’d known then that [he]47-saint ’d do anything to protect [me]0-i . [He]47-saint really did mean what [he]47-saint ’d said . [He]47-saint cared for [me]0-i … As for love ? Perhaps [he]47-saint does love [me]0-i , but will [he]47-saint accept [this child]1572-this child ... ? Will [he]47-saint want to participate in bringing up [this child]1572-this child , when [he]47-saint 'd told [me]0-i in no uncertain terms that [he]47-saint does n't want [children]2511-children . [Weston]138-weston walks into [the hospital room]1575-the hospital room , " [You]0-i okay ? "[138-weston] [I]0-i nod , try to swallow , but [my]0-i throat is dry . [I]0-i glance toward the side table . [He]138-weston walks to it , pours out some water and hands [me]0-i a glass . [I]0-i accept it and take a few sips . " [He]138-weston wants to see [you]0-i . "[0-i] [My]0-i fingers tremble . The glass tips and water splashes onto [my]0-i hospital gown . [My]0-i heart hammers in [my]0-i chest . " [I]138-weston do n’t … [I]138-weston ca n’t … "[138-weston] [He]138-weston leans forward , rescues the glass and places it back on the table . " Does [he]138-weston know ? "[138-weston] [Weston]138-weston pulls up a chair and drops into it . " No , "[0-i] [I]0-i twist [my]0-i fingers together . " Did [you]138-weston tell [him]138-weston ? "[0-i] [He]138-weston shakes [his]138-weston head , " But [Saint]47-saint has a right to know . "[138-weston] [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , " That ’s for [me]138-weston to decide . [He]138-weston wo n’t want it . "[138-weston] " Whatever is between [the two of [you]483-the two of you]483-the two of you , that ’s [your]483-the two of you business . "[138-weston] [He]138-weston leans forward , " But [I]138-weston am [[his]138-weston friend]3027-his friend , and [I]138-weston owe it to [him]138-weston to let [him]138-weston know . "[138-weston] " [I]0-i 'm [[his]138-weston wife]233-his wife . "[0-i] [I]0-i set [my]0-i jaw , " It 's [my]0-i decision when [I]0-i decide to share this with [him]138-weston . "[0-i] " So [you]0-i will tell [him]138-weston ? "[138-weston] [He]138-weston frowns . [I]0-i twist [my]0-i fingers together , " When it 's the right time . "[0-i] [His]138-weston jaw tics , " [You]0-i want [this child]1572-this child ? "[0-i] [I]0-i nod , " More than anything else in [the world]212-the world . "[0-i] " How long have [you]0-i known ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i ... [I]0-i guessed ... when [my]0-i period did n't arrive on time . "[0-i] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders . " But [I]0-i put it down to the stress of the last few weeks . "[0-i] " Did [you]0-i plan this ? "[138-weston] [He]138-weston frowns . " No , "[138-weston] [I]0-i swallow . [He]138-weston sets [his]138-weston jaw . " Really . "[138-weston] [I]0-i hasten to add , " [I]138-weston understood how precarious [my]138-weston situation with [Saint]47-saint was ... [I]138-weston even started taking the pill . No way , would [I]138-weston have been this irresponsible . "[138-weston] Yet here [I]0-i am , pregnant . [Weston]138-weston raises an eyebrow . “ When [you]0-i say [you]0-i ‘ even started taking the pill , ’ do [you]0-i mean [you]0-i just started when [you]0-i and [Saint]47-saint got together ? [I]138-weston nod . [He]138-weston shakes [his]138-weston head , “[138-weston] [Victoria]108-victoria , it can take up to seven days for birth control to become effective . [My]138-weston mouth drops open . “[138-weston] [The doctor]585-the doctor must have told [you]0-i ... ” “[585-the doctor] Oh , [my]0-i god , [I]585-the doctor whisper , “[585-the doctor] [I]0-i must not have heard [her]585-the doctor . ” Had [I]0-i planned this subconsciously ? [I]0-i 've always wanted [a child of [my]0-i own]3031-a child of my own ... No , [I]0-i wanted [[Saint]47-saint 's child]3032-saint 's child . [I]0-i admit it , but [I]0-i did n't consciously plan for it to turn out like this . [I]0-i hunch [my]0-i shoulders . "[0-i] [I]0-i ... [I]0-i would n't hurt [Saint]47-saint . " [I]0-i swallow , "[0-i] Not on purpose . " [He]0-i changes position , surveys [me]0-i for another beat . "[0-i] [I]0-i believe [you]0-i , " [he]0-i says , then places the tips of [his]0-i fingers together . "[0-i] As [[your]0-i doctor]1577-your doctor and [[your]0-i friend]1578-your friend , [I]0-i ’d advise that [you]0-i allow [him]47-saint to share the load . This is when [you]0-i need [him]47-saint the most . " "[0-i] [I]0-i do n’t need [anyone]280-anyone . " [He]0-i scowls , "[108-victoria] [Victoria]108-victoria . " "[108-victoria] Swear it , " [I]0-i sit up and hold out [my]0-i hand , "[0-i] Swear [you]0-i will not tell [him]47-saint yet , that [you]0-i 'll give [me]0-i the chance to break the news to [him]47-saint . " "[0-i] Fuck . " [He]0-i jumps up . "[0-i] This is why [I]0-i steer clear of all entanglements . It ’s [a bloody minefield]1580-a bloody minefield . [I]0-i do n’t want to get dragged into this . " "[0-i] Promise [me]0-i , " [I]0-i plead . "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n't not tell [him]47-saint . However , " [he]0-i turns to [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll delay it on one condition . " "[0-i] Of course , " [I]0-i huff . "[0-i] [You]0-i Seven know how to haggle . Everything is a negotiation for [[you]0-i guys]2381-you guys . " "[0-i] Maybe , " [he]0-i raises [his]0-i shoulders , "[0-i] if it gets [me]0-i what [I]0-i want ... " "[0-i] What ? " [I]0-i meet [his]0-i gaze , "[0-i] What do [you]0-i want from [me]0-i ? " "[47-saint] Meet [him]47-saint , once . " [I]47-saint shake [my]47-saint head , "[47-saint] No , no , that ’s not happening . " There ’s a commotion at the door , then [Saint]47-saint stalks in . "[47-saint] Do n’t think [he]47-saint ’s leaving [you]0-i a choice . " [Weston]138-weston ’s face softens , "[47-saint] Let [him]47-saint help [you]0-i , [Victoria]108-victoria . " "[47-saint] Keep [your]0-i promise , " [I]0-i implore [him]0-i . "[0-i] That ’s all [I]0-i want . " [Saint]47-saint draws abreast with [Weston]138-weston , "[0-i] What are the two of [you]0-i talking about ? " "[0-i] [The Doctor]585-the doctor was just leaving , " [I]585-the doctor look pointedly at [Weston]138-weston . [He]138-weston turns to go . "[585-the doctor] [You]0-i should join [him]47-saint , " [I]53-gigi turn [my]53-gigi head to the side , study the view from the window — [a road]3033-a road , [a building across [the street]3035-the street]3034-a building across the street . Rain patters down the window pane . [Bleak]34-bleak . Miserable . Just like [my]53-gigi life is going to be without [him]47-saint . Shit . Stop it . This is the right thing to do ... for [him]47-saint … for [me]53-gigi … for [the child [I]53-gigi ’m carrying]3036-the child i ’m carrying . [Saint]47-saint is n't ready to have [children]2511-children and [I]53-gigi 'd never force that on [him]47-saint . [[His]47-saint father]1360-his father had called [him]47-saint an intrusion ... A mistake . And [mine]53-gigi ? Well , [mine]53-gigi had checked out , leaving [us]3039-our to cope on [our]3039-our own . The track record for [fathers]3040-fathers being present and engaged in both of [our]3039-our lives is not reassuring , to say the least . [I]53-gigi bite the inside of [my]53-gigi cheek . [I]53-gigi wo n't let [[my]53-gigi child]2594-my child go through the same experience . It would be better for [[my]53-gigi child]2594-my child to never know [a father]2049-a father , than to be rejected by [one]2308-one . If that means giving up [the man who 's come to mean so much to [me]53-gigi]3045-the man who 's come to mean so much to me , then so be it . "[53-gigi] [Gigi]53-gigi . " [I]53-gigi bite [my]53-gigi lips . "[53-gigi] Do n’t call [me]0-i that , please . " [He]1583-his hesitates , then lowers [himself]1583-his into the chair . "[53-gigi] How are [you]53-gigi ? " [he]1583-his asks . "[53-gigi] [I]0-i ’ll be better once [you]53-gigi ’re gone . " [He]1583-his makes a low noise in [his]1583-his throat , "[0-i] If anything had happened to [you]53-gigi" "[0-i] [I]0-i ’m fine . " "[1583-his] [He]1583-his shot [you]53-gigi . " "[1583-his] [Antonio]87-antonio did n't intend to hurt [me]0-i . " "[1583-his] Except [he]1583-his did , " [his]1583-his voice cracks . [I]47-saint turn to face [him]1583-his , and flinch . [His]1583-his hair is mussed , [his]1583-his face unshaven . Redness rims [his]1583-his eyes ... And [his]1583-his gaze . Oh [my]47-saint God ! [His]1583-his blue gaze burns into [me]47-saint with an intensity that makes [my]47-saint heart lurch . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint , " [I]47-saint say [his]1583-his name before [I]47-saint can stop [myself]47-saint . "[47-saint] [I]0-i have [[my]0-i guys]1584-my guys on [him]1583-his . [He]1583-his ’s revealed [himself]1583-his and [I]0-i am not letting [him]1583-his go until [I]0-i take [him]1583-his and [everyone associated with [him]1583-his]1585-everyone associated with him down . " [You]1583-his ca n’t , "[0-i] [I]0-i bite the inside of [my]0-i cheek . " What ? Why not ? "[0-i] " If [you]1583-his do , [he]1583-his ’ll kill [[my]0-i best friend]1200-my best friend . The deal was for [me]0-i to win [your]1583-his trust , to find the evidence [you]1583-his had on [the Mafia]314-the mafia and return it , in exchange for — "[0-i] " [[Your]1583-his friend]1578-your friend ’s life ? "[1583-his] [He]1583-his snarls . " And what about [your]1583-his life , [Gigi]53-gigi , [your]1583-his safety is [my]1583-his priority . [You]1583-his , are [my]1583-his priority . Nothing is more important than [you]1583-his . And [that fucker]1331-that fucker dare pull out a fucking gun and threaten [you]1583-his , in front of [me]1583-his ? "[1583-his] [His]1583-his nostrils flare . [His]1583-his biceps bulge , [his]1583-his shoulders seem to grow in size . Hell , [Saint]47-saint in full blown protective alpha mode is ... bloody hot . [I]0-i am going to miss that ... so bloody much . " [I]1583-his wo n't let [him]1331-that fucker get away with it . "[1583-his] [He]1583-his glares at [me]0-i . " [I]1583-his had n’t expected [him]1331-that fucker to pull that stunt , [Saint]47-saint . Honestly . If [I]1583-his ’d known [he]1331-that fucker was going to hijack [your]1583-his event and ruin [your]1583-his reputation … "[1583-his] " Fuck that , "[1583-his] [he]1583-his swears . " But … but [he]1331-that fucker made [you]1583-his look like [a loser]1315-a loser . "[0-i] [I]0-i protest . " [You]0-i ’re still here , are n’t [you]0-i ? "[0-i] [He]1583-his scowls . " [I]1583-his ca n’t stay , [Saint]47-saint . "[1583-his] [His]1583-his jaw tics , " If [you]0-i think [I]1583-his am going to let [you]0-i walk , with [that man]2148-that man loose out there ... "[1583-his] " If [he]1331-that fucker ’d wanted to kill [me]1583-his , [he]1331-that fucker ’d already have done it . [He]1331-that fucker wanted to cause a diversion to escape . [He]1331-that fucker wo n’t reveal [himself]1331-that fucker again . [His]1331-that fucker face is too well known . Besides , [I]1583-his am of no use to [him]1331-that fucker anymore . "[1583-his] [He]1583-his frowns , " So stay with [me]1583-his . [I]1583-his thought [I]1583-his was in control , but all along , it was [you]0-i who was leading [me]1583-his on . [You]0-i were always one step ahead , [Gigi]53-gigi — "[1583-his] " [Victoria]108-victoria , "[0-i] [I]0-i correct [him]1583-his . " Fuck that , "[1583-his] [he]1583-his growls . [He]1583-his widens [his]1583-his stance , and damn [him]1583-his , but [my]0-i gaze drops right to the tented fabric between [his]1583-his legs . Surely not . [He]1583-his ca n’t be aroused . Is that [Saint]47-saint ’s resting position ? It has to be . That ’s how big , how thick … How bloody massive [his]1583-his larger - than - average dick is . [I]0-i ’d felt it inside of [me]0-i , curled [my]0-i fingers around it and squeezed [him]1583-his , massaged [him]1583-his and made [him]1583-his come , had taken [him]1583-his down [my]0-i throat and swallowed [his]1583-his cum , had shattered all over [his]1583-his fingers , ridden [his]1583-his dick as [he]1583-his ’d brought [me]0-i to climax . [My]0-i thighs clench . [My]0-i stomach flutters , [I]0-i press [my]0-i hand to [my]0-i belly . " What ’s wrong ? "[1583-his] [He]1583-his frowns . " Nothing . "[1583-his] [I]0-i bite the inside of [my]0-i cheek . " Stop lying . "[0-i] " Fine , "[0-i] [I]0-i glower at [him]1583-his . " [You]1583-his want to hear why [I]0-i do n’t want anything to do with [you]1583-his ? Why [I]0-i know there ’s no future for [us]3052-us ? "[0-i] " Tell [me]1583-his , "[1583-his] [he]1583-his leans forward , [his]1583-his fists balled between [his]1583-his knees . " Tell [me]1583-his why [you]1583-his want to leave [me]1583-his . "[1583-his] [I]0-i stare into [his]1583-his face and [my]0-i heart begins to pump hard enough to pound in [my]0-i throat . [My]0-i palms begin to sweat . Do it ; tell [him]1583-his . [I]0-i brace [my]0-i shoulders , " [I]0-i do n't want [you]1583-his . "[0-i]

44

[Saint]47-saint

" What ? "[0-i] [I]0-i blink . " [I]0-i hate what [you]1586-her do to [me]0-i . "[0-i] " [You]1586-her do n't . "[0-i] [I]0-i scan [her]1586-her features . " [I]1586-her loathe that [we]3053-we ca n't be honest with [each other]2117-each other . "[1586-her] [She]1586-her meets [my]0-i gaze unblinking , " [I]1586-her despise how [you]0-i bring out the part of [me]1586-her that [I]1586-her have hidden from for so long . "[1586-her] [She]1586-her pulls off [my]0-i ring from [her]1586-her finger ; holds it up . The stone glistens in [her]1586-her palm . [I]0-i stare at it , [my]0-i heart pounding erratically . " Take the ring , [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] [I]0-i hold out [my]0-i hand and [she]1586-her drops the piece of jewelry into it . " What gets broken without being held ? "[1586-her] [I]0-i close [my]0-i fingers around it . [She]1586-her blinks , chews on [her]1586-her lower lip , " Is it … a promise ? "[1586-her] [My]0-i lips twist . [Her]1586-her face pales further . " Imagine [you]1586-her are in [a dark room]1174-a dark room … "[1586-her] [I]0-i peer into [her]1586-her face , " How do [you]1586-her get out ? "[0-i] [She]1586-her curls [her]1586-her fingers at [her]1586-her sides , " Stop imagining , "[1586-her] [she]1586-her whispers . " When [[my]1586-her mother]856-my mother asked [me]1586-her the same questions , [I]1586-her did n’t have an answer for [her]856-my mother . For a long time [I]1586-her was convinced that it 's why [she]856-my mother left [me]1586-her . "[1586-her] " Oh , [Saint]47-saint , "[1586-her] [her]1586-her features twist . [She]1586-her half sits up , reaches for [me]0-i . [I]0-i pull away , " [I]0-i do n’t want [your]1586-her pity . "[0-i] [She]1586-her half smiles , " Pity is the last thing on [my]1586-her mind where [you]0-i are concerned . "[1586-her] [I]0-i straighten . [She]1586-her lowers [her]1586-her brows , " How old were [you]0-i when [she]1586-her left ? "[1586-her] " Thirteen . "[0-i] [I]0-i shuffle [my]0-i feet . " A year after the incident . "[0-i] " When [you]0-i and [the Seven]2150-the seven were kidnapped ? "[0-i] [I]0-i nod . Shit , it never gets easier to talk about this . [I]0-i square [my]0-i shoulders . " [They]3058-they held up [the car [I]0-i was in]3059-the car i was in , knocked [[my]0-i driver]3060-my driver unconscious , and abducted [me]0-i on the way [home]213-home from football practice . "[0-i] " Is that why [you]0-i prefer to drive [yourself]0-i around ? "[0-i] [I]0-i nod , " And why [I]0-i keep a gun on hand . "[0-i] [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders , " No way , will [I]0-i be so vulnerable again . "[0-i] " And the riddles ? "[0-i] " What about [them]3062-them ? "[0-i] " What got [you]0-i so dependent on [them]3062-them ? "[0-i] [I]0-i lean forward , squeezing the ring in [my]0-i palm with such force that the emerald cuts into [my]0-i skin . The soles of [my]0-i feet burn ; [I]0-i press [my]0-i heels into the ground . " [I]0-i ca n’t talk about that , "[0-i] [I]0-i straighten . " Ca n’t or wo n’t ? "[0-i] [I]0-i rise to [my]0-i feet , " Does it matter ? ’ "[0-i] And [the woman]2107-the woman ? " [She]2107-the woman asks . [I]2107-the woman scowl . "[2107-the woman] It 's not what [you]2107-the woman think it is . " [I]2107-the woman stare into [her]2107-the woman face . [She]2107-the woman scoffs . "[2107-the woman] [You]0-i expect [me]0-i to believe that ? " "[0-i] Believe it ... " [I]0-i raise [my]0-i shoulders , "[0-i] or not . " [She]2107-the woman stiffens , "[0-i] Is [she]2107-the woman [[your]0-i sister]1588-your sister ? [[Your]0-i cousin]1589-your cousin ? Hell a blood relation of some kind ? " [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . "[0-i] So who is [she]2107-the woman ? " [Her]2107-the woman eyebrows knit . "[2107-the woman] [She]2107-the woman 's [a ... friend]1590-a ... friend . " "[2306-a friend] [A friend]2306-a friend ? " [She]2107-the woman glowers at [me]2306-a friend . "[2306-a friend] Also [a business associate]1592-a business associate . " [I]1592-a business associate crack [my]1592-a business associate neck . "[1592-a business associate] There 's uh ! Nothing between [us]1593-us . " "[1592-a business associate] Fine , say [I]0-i believe [you]0-i . " [She]2107-the woman wrings [her]2107-the woman fingers together , "[0-i] What were [you]0-i talking about with [her]2107-the woman ? " [She]2107-the woman sets [her]2107-the woman jaw . "[0-i] Why do [you]0-i go running every time [she]2107-the woman calls ? " Shit , [I]2107-the woman 'd done no wrong so why the hell am [I]2107-the woman feeling defensive ? [I]2107-the woman draw in a breath , "[2107-the woman] [I]0-i ca n’t tell [you]0-i . [I]0-i told [you]0-i , [I]0-i wo n't put [you]0-i in danger . " [She]2107-the woman throws up [her]2107-the woman hands . "[0-i] And [you]0-i want [me]0-i to stay ? When there are so many secrets between [us]1594-us ? " "[0-i] When [I]0-i make a promise , [I]0-i keep it , [Gigi]53-gigi . Unlike [you]0-i . " [She]2107-the woman pales . "[0-i] Shit . " [I]0-i drag [my]0-i fingers thought [my]0-i hair , "[0-i] [I]0-i did n't mean it . " "[0-i] Sure [you]0-i did . " [We]1594-us glare at each . [She]2107-the woman 's right . [She]2107-the woman brings out the worst in [me]0-i . [She]2107-the woman makes [me]0-i feel things [I]0-i never have ... [She]2107-the woman makes [me]0-i hurt . Fuck ! Why is this thing between [us]1595-us so complicated ? Sweat trickles down [my]0-i back . "[0-i] [You]0-i ’re right . " [I]0-i glance away . "[0-i] Whatever was between [us]1595-us , it ’s over . " [I]0-i turn to leave . "[0-i] And [you]0-i say [you]0-i love [me]0-i ? " [she]2107-the woman huffs . [I]0-i walk toward the exit . "[0-i] [I]0-i can be a game , but there are [no winners]1596-no winners , what am [I]0-i ? " [her]2107-the woman voice stops [me]0-i . [I]0-i pause , then because [I]0-i ca n’t fucking resist , [I]0-i answer , "[0-i] Blame . " "[0-i] What ’s another name for [Saint]47-saint ? " [she]2107-the woman asks . [I]47-saint grip the door frame , "[47-saint] Do n’t do this , [Gigi]53-gigi . " "[53-gigi] Answer [me]0-i , " [she]2107-the woman snarls . [I]139-coward step through the doorway . "[139-coward] [Coward]139-coward , " [her]2107-the woman voice follows [me]139-coward out . [I]139-coward freeze . "[139-coward] [You]139-coward heard [me]0-i , " [she]2107-the woman huffs , "[139-coward] [You]139-coward do n’t have the courage to face up to what ’s between [us]1597-us . " "[139-coward] And [you]139-coward do ? " "[139-coward] Yes . " [She]2107-the woman presses [her]2107-the woman hand to [her]2107-the woman belly , "[139-coward] Everything [I]0-i am doing is out of love . " "[53-gigi] For whom , [Gigi]53-gigi ? Everything [you]139-coward ’re doing is to punish [me]0-i . " "[139-coward] There are some things bigger than [you]139-coward and [me]0-i . " "[1598-he] Like what ? Lies ? Betrayal ? [Your]139-coward affliction for that … man who shot [you]139-coward ? [He]1598-he ’s taking advantage of [you]139-coward . [He]1598-he ’s using [you]139-coward [Gigi]53-gigi . " "[1598-he] So be it . " "[1598-he] [He]1598-he ’ll never let [[your]139-coward friend]1578-your friend go . " "[1598-he] [He]1598-he will . " "[1598-he] It was all a farce . If [you]139-coward leave [here]260-here , [you]139-coward ’ll never be safe . " "[1601-we] [We]1601-we ’ll see , shall [we]1601-we ? " [She]139-coward sets [her]139-coward jaw . [I]1601-we glare at [her]139-coward , "[1601-we] Why do [you]139-coward have to be so stubborn ? " "[139-coward] Why do [you]139-coward have to be so … blinded by [your]139-coward own ego ? " "[139-coward] It ’s the only thing that ’s kept [me]0-i alive so far . " "[139-coward] What kind of living is it , if [you]139-coward ca n’t even come clean to [[your]139-coward own wife]1602-your own wife ? " "[139-coward] Oh , so now [you]139-coward are [[my]0-i wife]851-my wife ? " [I]139-coward thrust out [my]139-coward chest . [She]139-coward throws up [her]139-coward hands , "[139-coward] Just leave [Saint]47-saint , please . " "[0-i] [I]0-i intend to . " [I]0-i turn to go , when the phone in [my]0-i pocket vibrates . [I]0-i slide it out of [my]0-i pocket , see the message from an unknown number . [I]0-i swipe open the screen , play the message . A video flickers to life . [A woman]297-a woman speaks into the screen , "[0-i] This message is for [Victoria]108-victoria . " [She]139-coward swallows , "[108-victoria] V ? This is [Nina]52-nina . [I]0-i am fine . " [She]139-coward glances at [someone off - screen]3064-someone off - screen . "[52-nina] [Antonio]87-antonio has promised not to hurt [me]0-i as long as [no one]2059-no one comes after [him]87-antonio . " [She]139-coward firms [her]139-coward lips , stares at the screen , "[52-nina] [I]0-i am fine [V]70-v , really . Call off whoever is shadowing [Antonio]87-antonio . [He]87-antonio ’ll take care of [me]0-i . " A smile curls [her]139-coward lips . "[87-antonio] [I]0-i believe [him]87-antonio , [V.]78-v. " [She]139-coward pauses , then adds , "[78-v.] Take care of [yourself]70-v . " The message switches off . "[78-v.] What is it ? " [I]70-v walk over to [her]139-coward , hand [her]139-coward the phone . [She]139-coward glances at [me]70-v , then back at the screen . [I]70-v play the message for [her]139-coward . [She]139-coward pales , replays the message once again , then hands the phone back to [me]70-v . "[70-v] [You]70-v believe [her]1605-her ? " [She]139-coward nods . "[1605-her] No reason for [Nina]52-nina to lie . " "[1605-her] Yet , [you]70-v kept the truth from [me]0-i . Why did n't [you]70-v tell [me]0-i what [the Mafia]314-the mafia wanted from [you]70-v ? " [She]139-coward pales . "[70-v] Why , [Gigi]53-gigi ? " "[53-gigi] Because … [I]0-i had to protect [you]70-v [Saint]47-saint . [I]0-i couldn't ... risk [the Mafia]314-the mafia finding out . What if [they]314-the mafia did something to [you]70-v ? [I]0-i could have never lived with [myself]0-i , " [she]139-coward draws in a breath . "[70-v] [You]70-v wanted to protect [me]0-i ? " [I]70-v scowl . "[70-v] Why not ? " [She]139-coward sets [her]139-coward jaw , "[70-v] Is that so difficult to understand ? " "[70-v] Yes , " [I]70-v growl , "[70-v] because [you]70-v do n't get to put [yourself]70-v in danger for [me]0-i ... [You]70-v never get to endanger [yourself]70-v for [anyone else]369-anyone else — especially not for [me]0-i . [I]0-i can take care of [myself]0-i , [you]70-v feel [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi ? " "[0-i] Oh , spare [me]0-i the macho bullshit , " [she]139-coward mutters . The fuck is [she]139-coward talking about ? Of course , [I]0-i am macho . [I]0-i was born this way ... No excuses there . [I]0-i ca n't stop [myself]0-i from taking care of [her]139-coward , any more than [I]0-i could stop [myself]0-i from breathing . [I]0-i glare at [her]139-coward ; [she]139-coward glowers back . [Stubborn woman]3065-stubborn woman . Why ca n't [she]139-coward understand that if something were to happen to [her]139-coward [I]0-i 'd never survive it ? Fuck . [I]0-i rake [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . "[0-i] [You]1609-you make [me]0-i a little crazy , [Gigi]53-gigi , [you]53-gigi know that ? [You]1609-you make [me]0-i do things that [I]0-i ca n’t explain . [You]1609-you fucking tie [me]0-i up in knots , and that makes [me]0-i desperate . It makes [me]0-i miss things [I]0-i did n’t know [I]0-i wanted in the first place . " "[0-i] Like ? " [She]53-gigi stares at [me]0-i , "[0-i] Like what ? " "[0-i] Like , being married to [you]1609-you , for one . [I]0-i had no idea that [I]0-i needed [you]1609-you[your]1609-you touch , a glance , the whisper of [your]1609-you voice to infiltrate the recesses of [my]0-i mind . " "[1609-you] What else ? " [she]53-gigi whispers . "[1609-you] [I]0-i want [you]1609-you , is n’t that enough ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i want more . " [She]53-gigi swallows , "[0-i] Can [you]1609-you give [me]0-i that , [I]0-i wonder ? " [My]1609-you heart begins to race . "[1609-you] What is it ? " [I]1609-you ask . "[1609-you] What more do [you]0-i want ? " Do [I]1609-you want to hear it ? Do [I]1609-you ? "[1609-you] Will [you]1609-you answer [my]0-i riddle ? " A small smile curves [her]53-gigi lips . "[1609-you] [You]0-i know [I]0-i only ask , but never answer , " [I]0-i scowl . "[0-i] Just this once , [Saint]47-saint . " [She]53-gigi squares [her]53-gigi shoulders , tips up [her]53-gigi chin and holds [my]47-saint gaze , "[47-saint] Please . " [My]47-saint pulse thunders at [my]47-saint temples ; [my]47-saint palms grow cold . Shit , why am [I]47-saint nervous about agreeing to this ? Do n’t do it , do n’t . [I]47-saint jerk [my]47-saint chin , "[47-saint] Fine then . " [Her]53-gigi lips twist . "[47-saint] What ’s easy to make , but impossible to keep forever ? " [I]0-i peruse [her]53-gigi features . What is it ? What could it be ? A glimmer of a thought brushes against the edges of [my]0-i mind . Nah , it ca n’t be . Not that . [I]0-i glance around [the room]319-the room , drag [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair , "[0-i] [I]0-i … can’t guess what it is . " "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ll give [you]0-i a clue . " [Her]53-gigi chest rises and falls . "[0-i] [You]0-i 'll see [me]0-i soon but [you]0-i ca n't see [me]0-i yet . " [I]0-i frown ; [my]0-i heart begins to race . What the hell is [she]53-gigi hinting at ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ... " [I]0-i swallow . "[0-i] That sounds implausible . " [Her]53-gigi lips curve in a small smile , "[0-i] Here 's another hint . " [She]53-gigi leans forward , "[0-i] The more [you]0-i give up , the more it gives back to [you]0-i . " [My]0-i pulse rate ratchets up . [She]53-gigi is n't saying what [I]0-i think [she]53-gigi is , is [she]53-gigi ? Nah . Not possible ... [I]0-i widen [my]0-i stance . "[0-i] That defies the laws of physics , " [I]0-i say . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n’t think [I]0-i like the sound of it , " [I]0-i laugh , the sound nervous . Bloody hell ! What ’s wrong with [me]0-i ? [My]0-i palms begin to sweat . The ring slips from between [my]0-i fingers , clatters to the floor , rolls toward the bed . [I]0-i swoop down and grab it . [Her]53-gigi gaze falls to [my]0-i hand , "[0-i] [You]0-i can guess it . " "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n’t . " [I]0-i rise to [my]0-i feet , clutching at the ring like it ’s a bloody lifeline . "[0-i] Besides , whatever it is , " [my]0-i voice cracks ; [I]0-i clear [my]0-i throat , "[0-i] [I]0-i do n’t think there ’s space in [my]0-i life for it . " [I]0-i pivot , head for the door . "[0-i] So , this is it then ? " [Her]53-gigi voice brings [me]0-i up short . [I]0-i pause , slide the ring into [my]0-i pocket . "[0-i] How can [you]0-i say [you]0-i love [me]0-i , when [you]0-i do n’t want to fight for [us]1610-us ? " [she]53-gigi cries out . "[0-i] There is no [us]1610-us . Not anymore . " [I]0-i stalk forward . "[0-i] [You]0-i were right . There are too many secrets between [us]1610-us , [Gigi]53-gigi . That ’s no way to start a relationship . " [I]47-saint reach the exit . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ? " [I]47-saint do n’t turn around . "[47-saint] Goodbye , [Victoria]108-victoria . "[108-victoria]

45

What did the cat say to [her]1611-her [Valentine]140-valentine ? Answer : [You]108-victoria are purr - fect for [me]0-i

[Victoria]108-victoria

[I]0-i tear open the envelope , pull out the papers . " No . "[0-i] They slide from [my]0-i fingers , hit the floor in a cloud of white and black . Like [my]0-i life . [I]0-i thought it would get easier with time , but every passing minute of every hour of every day , the hollowness in [my]0-i chest grows bigger , more turbulent , louder , pressing outward , making [my]0-i heart race , filling [me]0-i with panic , telling [me]0-i [I]0-i was wrong . [I]0-i should have given [him]1612-him a chance . A choice . Another opportunity to rip [me]0-i apart , tear out [my]0-i heart and trample it to pieces under [his]1612-him size 13 , dusty cowboy boots . Yeah , [I]0-i know [his]1612-him shoe size . No thanks to that weird - as - shit , eccentric taste in shoes [he]1612-him has . Who remembers the shoe size of [a man who broke [her]1613-a man who broke her heart heart]1613-a man who broke her heart ? Correction : Okay , [I]0-i left [him]1612-him , so technically [I]0-i broke [my]0-i own heart . [I]0-i 've been numb since [I]0-i left [the hotel]312-the hotel , [my]0-i life an endless cycle of days and nights . The nights … They are the worst . The darkness taunts [me]0-i . The cold sheets wind around [my]0-i limbs , weighing [me]0-i down , pulling [me]0-i into a restless sleep filled with images of [him]1612-him , [our]1615-our time together , how [he]1612-him 'd kissed [me]0-i , how [he]1612-him 'd wrenched orgasms from [me]0-i . How [he]1612-him 'd run [his]1612-him fingers over [my]0-i skin , thrust them into [my]0-i pussy , taken [me]0-i , curled [me]0-i into [him]1612-him , spooned [me]0-i as [we]1615-our 'd fallen asleep . Hell . The only way to escape is to wake up , make [myself]0-i chamomile tea , and watch mindless television . Shit . [I]0-i am turning into [a hermit]1616-a hermit , never leaving [the house]441-the house , except for the checkup at [the hospital]1538-the hospital , that had confirmed that [my]0-i pregnancy is progressing well . [I]0-i massage [my]0-i stomach — [[my]0-i child]2594-my child ... [[Saint]47-saint 's child]3032-saint 's child . Had [I]0-i subconsciously planned this all along ? Is that why [I]0-i 'd asked for contraceptive pills instead of the injection ? Had [I]0-i hoped that [I]0-i would fall pregnant ? Had [I]0-i wanted it all along ? [I]0-i had been on a mission for [the Mafia]314-the mafia , for hell 's sake . And [my]0-i subconscious thought was that this was the time to bring [a child]325-a child into [the world]212-the world ? How irresponsible could [I]0-i be ? Am [I]0-i such [a dreamer]419-a dreamer that [I]0-i 'd hoped , somehow , everything would work out ? That [I]0-i 'd get together with [him]47-saint and [we]1625-we 'd live happily ever after ? The band around [my]0-i chest tightens . [I]0-i 'd been incredibly stupid ... And lucky that , somehow , [I]0-i 'd managed to avoid being hurt so far . If [you]1626-you do n’t count the emotional hurt , of course . [I]0-i stare at the fallen sheafs of papers . Lucky , huh ? [I]0-i burst into tears . Damn hormones . And damn [Saint]47-saint , for allowing [me]0-i to fool [myself]0-i into hoping for a more permanent relationship . [I]0-i stumble over to the settee in [the tiny living room]1627-the tiny living room and bury [my]0-i face in [my]0-i hands . [I]0-i had spoilt [my]0-i life … and [his]1628-his or [hers]1629-hers[this little one who will never know [a father]2049-a father]1630-this little one who will never know a father . [The bloody asinine man]1632-the bloody asinine man has haunted [my]0-i every waking thought , has crawled into [my]0-i dreams , has [me]0-i second - guessing [myself]0-i every time [I]0-i am at [the supermarket]1633-the supermarket , sure that [I]0-i ’ll see [him]1632-the bloody asinine man in the next aisle . As if [he]1632-the bloody asinine man would be shopping in [the supermarket]1633-the supermarket . Shit . [I]0-i am losing it , [I]0-i am . The sound of a light knock at the door has [me]0-i wiping [my]0-i tears . By the time [I]0-i open it , [I]0-i ’ve composed [myself]0-i . " [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston frowns , " Have [you]108-victoria been crying again ? "[62-weston] " [Moi]141-moi ? "[0-i] [I]0-i press a hand to [my]0-i chest . " Why would [I]0-i ? "[0-i] " Do n’t lie . "[1635-she] [She]1635-she steps forward and [her]1635-she foot brushes the papers on the floor . " What ’s this ? "[1635-she] [She]1635-she bends to pick them up . The pressure builds behind [my]0-i eyes . [I]0-i will not cry , will not . " Divorce papers ? "[1635-she] [She]1635-she glances up at [me]0-i . " Read it . "[1635-she] [I]0-i bite on [my]0-i lower lip , " [The asshole]581-the asshole is making sure [I]0-i have nothing to do with [him]581-the asshole . "[0-i] " That ’s what [you]0-i said [you]0-i want , right ? "[1635-she] [She]1635-she walks across to the coffee table and places the papers there . Then straightens , " It is , is n’t it ? "[1635-she] " Yeah . "[0-i] [I]0-i bring up [my]0-i legs , to sit cross - legged on the sofa . Somehow this is the only position that feels comfortable nowadays . Do n’t ask . " [You]0-i do n’t sound convinced . "[1635-she] " What do [you]1635-she want [me]0-i to say ? "[0-i] [I]0-i shove a cushion behind [me]0-i . " That [you]1635-she want [him]581-the asshole to come after [you]1635-she , discover that [you]1635-she are pregnant , and then fall to [his]581-the asshole knees and apologize for being [a bloody idiot]3068-a bloody idiot . "[0-i] " Right , "[0-i] [I]0-i laugh . " [You]1635-she obviously do n’t know [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] " Not as well as [you]0-i . "[1635-she] [She]1635-she glances pointedly at [my]0-i belly , " What are [you]0-i going to do about it ? "[1635-she] [I]0-i swallow , then place [my]0-i palms over [my]0-i belly . " [I]0-i want [this child]1572-this child . It ’s just , [I]0-i ’d thought , [I]0-i ’d hoped … "[0-i] [My]0-i face crumples . " It ’s hard , [Amelie]62-weston . [I]0-i knew it was n't going to be easy to do this on [my]0-i own ... but [I]0-i had n't realized how daunting it would be . "[0-i] " Oh , V. "[1635-she] [She]1635-she rounds the table , sinks down next to [me]0-i and pulls [me]0-i close . [I]0-i bury [my]0-i face in [her]1635-she shoulder and allow the tears to come . [She]1635-she pats [my]0-i head , holds [me]0-i close , " Let it out , V. [You]0-i ’ve been through so bloody much . [I]1635-she do n’t know of [anyone who could have come out of it still standing]3070-anyone who could have come out of it still standing . "[1635-she] " And pregnant , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter through [my]0-i tears . " Not that [I]0-i ’m complaining . [I]0-i mean , it ’s the one good thing to have come from all this mess . "[0-i] [I]0-i wipe [my]0-i tears , and sit back , " Do [I]0-i look terrible ? "[0-i] [She]1635-she looks [me]0-i up and down , " Yes . "[1635-she] [I]0-i chuckle , " Gee , thanks . [I]0-i can always count on [you]1635-she sugar - coating reality , huh ? "[0-i] " That ’s [my]0-i specialty . Comes with being [an expert pastry chef]3071-an expert pastry chef . "[0-i] [I]0-i snicker , " That ’s a terrible joke . "[0-i] " [You]1635-she smiled , did n’t [you]1635-she ? "[1635-she] [She]1635-she leans across , and snatches up the tissue box . " What are [you]1635-she wearing anyway ? "[1635-she] [I]0-i pull out a few of the tissues , blow [my]0-i nose . " An old shirt [I]0-i ’d forgotten [I]0-i own . "[0-i] It ’s one of [Saint]47-saint ’s . [I]0-i packed it by mistake . Okay , so it was n’t a mistake . [I]0-i wad the tissues in [my]0-i hand and hunch [my]0-i shoulders . " What the hell am [I]0-i going to do , [Amelie]62-weston ? "[0-i] [I]0-i stare at the advertisement on the television screen , showing [a family]461-a family sitting down to Christmas dinner . " If there ’s [anyone who can cope with this]3072-anyone who can cope with this , it ’s [you]0-i . "[1635-she] [She]1635-she rubs circles on [my]0-i back . [I]0-i snort , " [I]0-i ’m not feeling capable of much at the moment , [I]0-i can tell [you]1635-she that . "[0-i] Another image flashes on screen , this time showing the opening credits of " [The Grinch Who Stole Christmas]3073-the grinch who stole christmas . "[1635-she] " Bloody depressing . "[1635-she] [She]1635-she picks up the remote control and switches off the TV . [I]0-i chuckle , " [I]0-i thought [you]1635-she like Christmas . "[0-i] " [I]1635-she do . "[1635-she] [She]1635-she links [her]1635-she fingers together , " But [I]1635-she ’ve been overworked filling up orders for Christmas parties since — "[1635-she] [she]1635-she reddens . " Sorry did n’t mean to bring up the ... Uh ! ... wedding party . "[1635-she] " It ’s fine . "[0-i] [I]0-i pick up a cushion and hug it , " [I]0-i ‘ m glad at least [you]1635-she and [Isla]65-isla benefitted from all that publicity . ”[0-i] " More like notoriety , "[1635-she] [she]1635-she snorts . " But really , it seems whoever said that all PR is good PR , has it right . [Isla]65-isla 's booked up into late next year and [I]1635-she have more orders than [I]1635-she can fulfill for the foreseeable feature . "[1635-she] [The paparazzi]1637-the paparazzi had blown up the internet with accounts of how [a mystery man]1638-a mystery man had held the wedding celebration hostage , then escaped without taking anything . [People]2061-people had taken to calling it a prank pulled by [one of [the Seven]55-the seven]518-one of the seven . [Saint]47-saint had encouraged it by releasing a short statement to the media clarifying that [no one had been hurt by the escapade]1641-no one had been hurt by the escapade . [He]47-saint had n’t answered any further questions from [the media]1642-the media — who had speculated for days , before [one journalist]1643-one journalist had concluded that it had been a giant waste of time — except for the desserts served at the party , which had been incredible . One thing had led to another , and the internet had blown up with [people]2061-people wanting to find out who had planned the wedding and what [the guests]2065-the guests had been enjoying ; so [Isla]65-isla 's wedding planning venture and [[Amelie]62-weston ’s catering business]1646-amelie ’s catering business had boomed in its wake . All ’s well that ends well … [Everyone]2130-everyone got what [they]2130-everyone wanted , including [Antonio]87-antonio . A shiver runs down [my]0-i spine . [He]87-antonio seems to be sticking to [his]87-antonio promise of leaving [me]0-i alone … so far . If [he]87-antonio ’d wanted to kill [me]0-i , [he]87-antonio could have when [he]87-antonio ’d shot at [me]0-i . [He]87-antonio seemed to have purposely missed at that close range . Well , [I]0-i guess that means [he]87-antonio is letting [me]0-i get on with [my]0-i life ... Such as it is . " What are [you]0-i going to do for Christmas ? "[62-weston] [Amelie]62-weston asks . " [I]62-weston have n’t given it much thought . "[62-weston] [I]0-i glance around [the flat]1648-the flat . " Maybe [I]0-i ’ll stay in [here]260-here , get some rest , "[0-i] [I]0-i say . " [You]62-weston mean stay in and get depressed ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i wo n’t . "[0-i] [I]0-i hunch [my]0-i shoulders , negating [my]0-i own claim , " [I]0-i ’m trying , [Amelie]62-weston . "[0-i] [I]0-i stare at the blank television screen . " Why do n’t [you]62-weston come up to [the cabin]1481-the cabin with [me]0-i ? "[0-i] " [Cabin]3076-cabin ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . " [The one that [Saint]47-saint said [I]0-i could borrow for the holidays]3077-the one that saint said i could borrow for the holidays ? "[0-i] [She]1649-she flushes , " Shit , [I]1649-she ca n’t say anything without putting [my]1649-she foot in [my]1649-she mouth . "[1649-she] " It ’s okay . "[0-i] [I]0-i force out a laugh , " It ’s not like [I]0-i can go through life being upset every time [his]47-saint name is mentioned . "[0-i] " [I]1649-she[I]1649-she wo n’t go , if that helps . [I]1649-she can stay here and keep [you]1649-she company ? "[1649-she] " Nonsense . "[0-i] [I]0-i frown , " [You]1649-she deserve this time to rest and rejuvenate . "[0-i] [She]1649-she turns to [me]0-i , " [I]1649-she do n’t want [you]0-i to be on [your]0-i own . "[1649-she] " [I]0-i ’ve survived the last few weeks , have n’t [I]0-i ? "[0-i] " Have [you]0-i ? "[1649-she] [She]1649-she looks [me]0-i up and down . [I]0-i flush , " Do [I]0-i look that bad ? "[0-i] " Worse . "[0-i] [I]0-i yank [my]0-i hair back from [my]0-i face , " [I]0-i … haven’t felt motivated . "[0-i] " It ’s understandable . It ’s why [I]0-i ’d rather [you]0-i not stay on [your]0-i own through the holiday season . "[0-i] " And [I]0-i ’m not coming with [you]1649-she , to [the cabin]1481-the cabin . "[0-i] " Why do n’t [you]0-i stay with [Summer]44-summer and [Sinclair]45-sinclair — ? "[1649-she] [she]1649-she asks . " And risk running into [him]45-sinclair ? "[1649-she] [I]0-i straighten [my]0-i shoulders , " Okay , [I]0-i know that ’s being [a coward]1158-a coward , but right now , [I]0-i ’d rather stay as far away from [him]45-sinclair as possible . ’ "[0-i] [You]1649-she mean cooped up inside [here]260-here , drowning in [your]1649-she own thoughts ? " "[1649-she] What would [you]1649-she have [me]0-i do ? " "[1649-she] Let [me]0-i help [you]0-i , " [she]1649-she glares at [me]0-i . "[0-i] [You]0-i have . " [I]0-i sag against the sofa , "[0-i] [You]0-i know , [I]0-i could n’t have come this far without [you]0-i . It ’s thanks to [you]0-i that [I]0-i found [this apartment]1651-this apartment to house - sit for the next year … and within walking distance of [the hospital]1538-the hospital too . [She]1649-she shuffles [her]1649-she feet , " Seriously , it ’s not a big deal . "[1649-she] [She]1649-she waves a hand in the air , " [I]1649-she wish [you]0-i could tell [Saint]47-saint about [the child]2179-the child . "[1649-she] " [You]0-i have n’t heard [him]47-saint speak about how much [he]47-saint hates [kids]462-kids . "[1649-she] " That ’s only until [he]47-saint realizes [you]0-i are about to have [his]47-saint . "[1649-she] [She]1649-she plonks [her]1649-she palms on [her]1649-she hips . " [A man like [him]47-saint]3082-a man like him will do anything to protect [his]47-saint own flesh and blood . "[1649-she] " [He]47-saint sure did a slap - up job of taking care of [me]1649-she . "[1649-she] " Only because [you]0-i hid things from [him]47-saint . "[1649-she] " What about the secrets [he]47-saint held back from [me]1649-she ? "[1649-she] " Did [you]0-i ask [him]47-saint about it ? "[1649-she] " [I]0-i did , "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " [He]47-saint did n’t want to reveal them to [me]0-i . [We]3083-we have no common meeting ground . "[0-i] " Except one , "[1649-she] [she]1649-she , once more , looks down at [my]0-i belly . [I]0-i redden , " Seriously ? "[1649-she] " [Marriages]142-marriages have been built on less , and the sexual chemistry between the two of [you]0-i is clearly off the charts . [I]0-i mean , [you]0-i ’re pregnant with [[his]47-saint child]593-his child . "[0-i] " No kidding . "[0-i] " So , [you]0-i ’re going to give up on the two of [you]0-i ? "[1649-she] " [He]47-saint ’s [the one who gave up on [me]0-i]3085-the one who gave up on me . "[0-i] " Give [him]47-saint one last chance ? "[0-i] " No . "[1649-she] [She]1649-she throws [her]1649-she hands up in the air , " [You]0-i ’re so stubborn . "[1649-she] " Guess that ’s how [I]0-i ’ve gotten through the shit life has thrown at [me]0-i , huh ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i sure [you]0-i wo n’t let [me]0-i come to [the hospital]1538-the hospital with [you]0-i ? "[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " It ’s a routine check - up , [I]1649-she ’ll be fine . "[1649-she]

46

[Saint]47-saint

" [You]0-i ’re [a dickhead]3087-a dickhead . "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston ’s voice comes through loud and clear over the phone . " Why [you]0-i had to break up with [her]1649-she and then send [her]1649-she divorce papers , without trying to at least make up with [her]1649-she one last time ... "[62-weston] " Look who ’s giving [me]0-i relationship advice , "[0-i] [I]0-i snicker . " [The man who ca n’t hold down [a single woman]3089-a single woman for more than week]3088-the man who ca n’t hold down a single woman for more than week . "[0-i] " Out of choice , [bitch]2474-bitch . [The more the merrier]3091-the more the merrier , as [they]3092-they say , "[62-weston] [Weston]62-weston retorts . " More than what [I]62-weston can say for [you]0-i . Did [you]0-i manage to , at least , get to [the office]2181-the office today ? "[62-weston] [I]0-i take a sip of the whiskey , then wince at the taste . Shit , not even good old [Macallan]132-macallan fine malt seems the same . Face it , nothing compares to the taste of [her]1653-her cunt , [her]1653-her mouth , [her]1653-her lips … Fuck , fucking fuck ? " [You]0-i okay , [ol' chap]2068-ol' chap ? "[1653-her] " Why the fuck are [you]1654-you calling [me]1654-you anyway ? "[1654-you] " Why do [you]1654-you think ? "[1653-her] " [I]1653-her think [I]1653-her am going to hang up , [dickwad]2580-dickwad — "[1653-her] " Hold on , [I]1654-you ’m getting another call . "[1654-you] " Do n’t [you]1654-you fucking put [me]1653-her on hold , [Weston]62-weston — "[1653-her] The call goes silent . Then classical music drifts over the line . " The fuck ? "[1654-you] [He]1654-you has [Mozart]143-mozart playing while [he]1654-you puts [me]0-i on hold ? [I]0-i hang up , then begin to pace . Is [he]1654-you right , should [I]0-i have tried harder ? But this is what [she]1653-her wants , right ? A clean break . [Neither of [us]1656-us]1655-neither of us needs to look back . [I]0-i had made sure [she]1653-her came out of the entire incident with [her]1653-her identity concealed . It had cost [me]0-i thousands to track down [every single paparazzi in [that room]1658-that room]1657-every single paparazzi in that room , and pay [them]1657-every single paparazzi in that room off enough that [they]1657-every single paparazzi in that room would leave out all mention of [her]1653-her . [I]0-i may have had to lean on [one or two of [the errant ones]1660-the errant ones]1659-one or two of the errant ones to ensure [they]1657-every single paparazzi in that room destroyed all evidence of that day . But it had been worth it . The event had faded away from public memory . The next scandal had surfaced and [we]1661-we were yesterdays ’ news . Like [me]0-i and [her]1653-her — Fuck . [I]0-i rub the ache in [my]0-i chest . — Except for the emptiness that crawls in [my]0-i guts and the thoughts that crowd [my]0-i mind . Not to mention the nightmares that seem to be never too far away when [I]0-i sleep — the voice asking [me]0-i questions , demanding that [I]0-i answer them . Fuck . [I]0-i rub at [my]0-i temples . This is insane . [I]0-i had let [her]1653-her get under [my]0-i skin ... That ’s the only reason [I]0-i am beginning to unravel this way . Once [she]1653-her signs the divorce papers , [I]0-i can walk away , and have nothing more to do with [her]1653-her . So , [we]1661-we are no closer to finding out who was behind [our]1661-we kidnappings . [Antonio]87-antonio ? Well , [the man]207-the man had disappeared . [I]0-i ’d had [[my]0-i PI]2495-my pi on [his]207-the man tail and [Antonio]87-antonio had given [her]1653-her the slip . [He]207-the man had n’t been seen or heard of in the last three weeks since the party … And that message . Why does n’t that reassure [me]0-i in the least ? The hair on the nape of [my]0-i neck rises . Shit , [I]0-i am simply imagining things . [The man]207-the man is long gone . [He]207-the man ’d gotten what [he]207-the man wanted — the USB which had been sent to [me]0-i . [He]207-the man can keep it , for all [I]0-i care . If it leaks on the internet … Well , it would only lead to more speculation — not that [I]0-i care — but it would be easy enough to suppress it . If it were to happen , which it wo n’t . Clearly , [the man]207-the man had wanted to get [his]207-the man hands on it . For what , though ? Why was it so important to get a hold of it ? The phone buzzes in [my]0-i hand . [Fucking Weston]62-weston . [I]0-i silence it . It rings again , [I]0-i switch it off . The phone on [my]0-i desk rings . [I]0-i walk to it and snatch it up , " What ? "[0-i] " It ’s [Weston]62-weston . "[0-i] " Tell [him]207-the man to fuck off . "[0-i] " [He]207-the man says it ’s urgent . "[56-meredith] [Meredith]56-meredith ’s voice is patient , " [I]56-meredith think [you]0-i should take this call . "[56-meredith] " Fine , "[0-i] [I]0-i glower at the receiver . " Asswipe , "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston drawls back . " Jesus , ca n’t [you]0-i fucking go away to [a place where there are no phones — preferably no means of communication]3096-a place where there are no phones — preferably no means of communication — so [I]62-weston do n’t have to hear from [you]0-i ? "[62-weston] " Same to [you]0-i , with knobs on , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston snickers . " Listen , "[62-weston] [his]62-weston voice turns serious , " [I]62-weston called [you]0-i because [I]62-weston 've got ta come clean to [you]0-i about something . "[62-weston] " What ? "[62-weston] " Promise [you]0-i wo n’t go all apeshit when [I]62-weston tell [you]0-i . "[62-weston] " Shit . "[0-i] [My]0-i heart begins to thud , " Just say it . "[0-i] " [I]62-weston do n’t know , [I]62-weston promised [her]3097-her [I]62-weston would n’t . "[62-weston] " Who ? "[62-weston] " [Victoria]108-victoria . "[0-i] " [You]0-i and [she]108-victoria spoke ? "[62-weston] " At [the hospital]1538-the hospital that day , and [I]62-weston ’d been hoping for the two of [you]0-i to come to [your]0-i senses . Hell , [I]62-weston ’d hoped [she]108-victoria would tell [you]0-i [herself]108-victoria . Not that [I]62-weston should be breaking [doctor - patient]3099-doctor - patient confidentiality ... But [I]62-weston warned [her]108-victoria . "[62-weston] " Fuck that . If [you]1666-he do n’t tell [me]0-i right now — "[0-i] The sound of honking reaches [me]0-i over the line . " [Bloody cunt]3100-bloody cunt , "[1666-he] [he]1666-he swears . " What ? "[1666-he] " Not [you]0-i . [This fucker who ’s trying to overtake [me]1666-he]3101-this fucker who ’s trying to overtake me — what the hell — ? "[1666-he] [he]1666-he swears aloud again . There ’s more honking , the sound of brakes screeching . " [Weston]62-weston , what the fuck — ? "[62-weston] The sound of metal scraping against metal , then [Weston]62-weston ’s voice comes on the phone again , " Shit , [Saint]47-saint , this is not over not by a long shot . [She]1667-she ’s preg — "[62-weston] The line goes dead . " The fuck ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glare at the receiver . [My]0-i fingers tremble and [my]0-i knuckles are white . How strange . [I]0-i place the phone back in the cradle . Then reach for [my]0-i phone . [She]1667-she ’s what ? [She’s]1667-she … fine . [She]1667-she has to be . And [Weston]62-weston ? Shit , [my]0-i heart begins to race . The noise in [my]0-i head clears . [He]62-weston was in an accident . [I]0-i need to get to [him]62-weston . [I]0-i reach for the phone and dial [[my]0-i operative]1668-my operative . Half an hour later , [I]0-i race up [the corridor of [the Whittington hospital]1670-the whittington hospital]1669-the corridor of the whittington hospital . [[My]0-i investigator]1671-my investigator had tracked down [Weston]62-weston with a speed that had impressed even [me]0-i . Well , [I]0-i owe [her]1667-she a small fortune — but [she]1667-she ’d delivered . This time , [I]0-i barrel into [the private room]1672-the private room , and swerve . A jug of water misses [me]0-i narrowly and crashes to the floor behind [me]0-i . " [The fuck]521-the fuck ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glance at [Weston]62-weston , sprawled on [the hospital bed]1673-the hospital bed . [His]62-weston arm is in a sling , cuts and bruises mar [his]62-weston face , and [his]62-weston shirt is torn … Other than that , [he]62-weston seems fine . Which is more than [I]0-i can say about [the white - faced nurse who turns to [me]0-i]1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me . [She]1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me throws up [her]1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me hands , " Are [you]0-i [family]2168-family ? "[1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me] " [A friend]2306-a friend . "[1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me] " Fine . Then , "[1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me] [she]1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me thrusts a small plastic cap filled with pills at [me]0-i , " [you]0-i make [him]62-weston take those . "[1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me] [She]1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me brushes past [me]0-i . " Hold on , is [he]62-weston okay ? "[1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me] " [He]62-weston wo n’t be able to use [his]62-weston arm for a little while . "[1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me] [She]1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me raises [her]1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me shoulders . " The fuck ? "[1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me] [He]62-weston snarls , " [I]62-weston am [a surgeon]2416-a surgeon . [I]62-weston need to use [my]62-weston hands . "[62-weston] [She]1674-the white - faced nurse who turns to me winces , then turns and scurries from [the room]319-the room . [I]0-i turn to face [[my]0-i friend]226-my friend . Sweat beads [his]62-weston forehead and dirt smudges [his]62-weston face . " [You]62-weston okay ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston sets [his]62-weston jaw , " Totally . "[62-weston] [I]0-i glance at the pills . " [You]0-i ’re not going to make [me]62-weston take those , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston growls . " Nah , [man]2109-man . "[62-weston] [I]0-i set them down on the table next to the bed , " [I]0-i am not [[your]62-weston nurse]3107-your nurse . Besides , [you]62-weston ’re funny about painkillers , right ? "[0-i] " Yeah , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston scowls at [his]62-weston injured arm . " [The fuckers]2486-the fuckers say [I]62-weston need to rest [my]62-weston hand , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston growls . " What happened ? "[62-weston] [I]0-i ask . [His]62-weston face reddens , " [I]62-weston fractured [my]62-weston finger , apparently . "[62-weston] " Finger ? "[0-i] [I]0-i clear [my]0-i throat , " Do n't tell [me]0-i ... It 's ... "[0-i] " [My]62-weston fucking middle finger . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston holds up [his]62-weston hand with the sling , showing [me]0-i the bird ... Or rather , [his]62-weston middle finger in a splint . [He]62-weston winces , then lowers [his]62-weston hand . " Hurts like [a bitch]2197-a bitch , too , "[62-weston] [he]62-weston grumbles . A chuckle bubbles up ; [I]0-i change it to a snort . " [You]62-weston think this is a joke , [Caldwell]47-saint ? "[0-i] " Of course , not . "[0-i] [I]0-i keep the grin on [my]0-i face though . " [You]62-weston 're [a doctor]2105-a doctor . Ca n't [you]62-weston make [them]3111-them change the diagnosis ? "[62-weston] [He]62-weston glowers back , " Funny . Should [I]62-weston laugh at that ? "[62-weston] " Do n’t care , [ol' chap]2068-ol' chap , just do n't cry on [my]62-weston shoulder . "[62-weston] [He]62-weston pushes into the bed , " Why are [you]62-weston here , [you]62-weston dickhead ? "[62-weston] [I]0-i stop laughing . " What happened ? "[0-i] [I]0-i lean forward . " [This car]2086-this car came out of nowhere and forced [me]0-i off [the road]439-the road . "[0-i] " [You]62-weston sure ? "[0-i] [I]0-i steeple [my]0-i fingers together . " Do [I]0-i look like [I]0-i am kidding ? "[0-i] " No , "[0-i] [I]0-i drag [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair . " Well , the good news is , it ’s only a fracture . "[0-i] " To [my]0-i hand . [My]0-i right hand . [My]0-i fucking dominant hand . [You]62-weston know what this means , right ? "[0-i] [I]0-i straighten , " [You]1677-he ’ll be out of commission for a little time ? "[0-i] " [I]0-i am [a surgeon]2416-a surgeon , [asshole]2374-asshole . If the arm does n’t mend properly , [I]0-i ’ll never be able to operate again . "[0-i] " Shit , "[0-i] [I]0-i pale . " [I]0-i ’m sorry [man]2109-man . "[0-i] " Fuck . "[1677-he] [He]1677-he bangs [his]1677-he head back against the headboard , " Fucking , fuck . "[1677-he] " Easy . "[0-i] [I]0-i frown down at [[my]0-i friend]226-my friend , " At least , [you]226-my friend ’re alive . "[0-i] " [They]3118-they were n’t trying to kill [me]1677-he , just put [me]1677-he out of commission . "[1677-he] " By causing [you]0-i to fracture [your]0-i middle finger ? "[1677-he] [He]1677-he scoffs , " It was n’t an accident , [man]2109-man , [I]1677-he ’ll tell [you]0-i that . "[1677-he] " So , [you]1677-he think this was done on purpose ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . " Sure seems that way to [me]0-i ? "[0-i] " Why would [anyone]280-anyone want [you]0-i out of commission ? "[1677-he] " Beats the hell out of [me]1677-he . "[1677-he] [He]1677-he straightens [his]1677-he shoulders , " One thing is for sure , [we]3121-we need to double the security on all of [the Seven]2150-the seven and [those who matter to [us]3121-we]3123-those who matter to us . "[1677-he] A frisson runs down [my]0-i spine , " Before the accident , [you]0-i said something , before [you]0-i got cut off ... "[0-i] " That [I]1677-he was being forced off [the road]439-the road ? "[1677-he] [His]1677-he forehead crinkles . " No at the end , [you]0-i said [Victoria]108-victoria was … "[1677-he] " Pregnant . "[1677-he] " Shit . "[1677-he] [The world]212-the world sways around [me]0-i . [I]0-i sink into the chair , " That 's what [she]108-victoria was trying to tell [me]0-i . "[0-i] " [She]108-victoria told [you]0-i and [you]0-i let [her]108-victoria go ? "[1677-he] [he]1677-he snaps . " Not exactly ... "[0-i] [I]0-i stab the heel of [my]0-i shoe into the floor . " [She]108-victoria asked [me]0-i a riddle , which [I]0-i could n’t solve — "[0-i] " Hold on . "[1677-he] [He]1677-he leans forward , " [She]108-victoria asked [you]0-i a riddle . "[1677-he] " Yeah . "[1677-he] [His]1677-he gaze widens , " [You]0-i never allow [anyone]280-anyone to challenge [you]0-i . "[1677-he] " [I]0-i let [her]108-victoria , okay ? "[0-i] [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i eyes shut . " Only [her]108-victoria , "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow . " It ’s complicated . "[0-i] " No shit . "[1677-he] [I]0-i hear the smile in [his]1677-he voice , crack [my]0-i eyelids open . " Do n’t feed [me]1677-he a line about sentimentalism and all that shit . "[1677-he] " [You]0-i ’re doing that , all by [yourself]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i sink back in [my]0-i chair , massage [my]0-i chest , " [I]0-i think [I]0-i ’m going to have a cardiac . "[0-i] " Handy [I]1677-he ’m right here , then , is n’t it ? "[1677-he] " Har , har , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . " [You]0-i ’re fucking annoying , [man]2109-man . “[0-i] " Speak for [yourself]0-i . ”[1677-he] " Fuck this shit . "[0-i] [I]0-i dig [my]0-i fingers into [my]0-i hair and pull at it , " Why could n’t [she]3127-she tell [me]0-i ? "[0-i] " It sounds like [she]3127-she did , "[1680-he] [he]1680-he says . [You]0-i simply did n’t want to answer the riddle . "[1680-he] " [She]3127-she could have simply told [me]0-i , [you]0-i know ? "[0-i] " And then what ? Would [you]0-i have accepted [her]3127-she and [the child]2179-the child ? "[0-i] " Maybe . [I]0-i do n’t know . "[0-i] [I]0-i lower [my]0-i chin to [my]0-i chest , mumble , " This is bloody complicated . "[0-i] " Tell [me]0-i about it . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance up to find [him]1680-he staring at the sling . " [I]1680-he ’m sorry about [your]0-i finger . "[1680-he] [He]1680-he sighs , " [Me]1680-he too . "[1680-he] [He]1680-he grabs another pillow and props it behind [his]1680-he shoulder , " What are [you]0-i going to do now — ? "[1680-he] [My]0-i phone buzzes . [I]0-i pull it out . It ’s a message from an unknown number . Huh ? [I]0-i swipe open the message .

Come and get [her]1681-her . [She]1681-her 's in [East London]35-east london . [You]1682-you know where to look .

[I]0-i pale . " What ’s wrong ? "[0-i] [Weston]62-weston frowns . " [You]0-i were right ; this is not over yet . "[62-weston] [I]0-i jump to [my]0-i feet , race for the door . " Where are [you]0-i going ? "[0-i] " To rescue [[my]108-victoria family]246-my family . "[108-victoria]

47

[Victoria]108-victoria

[I]0-i had been stupid , so stupid . [I]0-i try to swallow and [my]0-i throat hurts . A drumming sensation presses in at [my]0-i temples . [I]0-i yank at the ropes that tie [my]0-i wrists behind [my]0-i back . [I]0-i try to open [my]0-i eyes , but the darkness presses down against [my]0-i eyelids . Shit , had [he]1683-he also blindfolded [me]0-i ? [I]0-i feel along the floor with [my]0-i feet ... At least , [I]0-i still have [my]0-i boots on . Good thing [I]0-i ’d opted for them over ballet pumps . [I]0-i ’d been half way to [the hospital]1538-the hospital , crossing [the garden that bordered the side of [the building]412-the building]1685-the garden that bordered the side of the building , when [someone]236-someone had grabbed [me]0-i from behind . [I]0-i ’d opened [my]0-i mouth to scream and a soft cloth had been thrust into [my]0-i face . [I]0-i 'd drawn in a whiff of a sweet , cloying scent , and had begun to black out . [I]0-i ’d been drugged , there was no doubt about that . [My]0-i guts churn and bile rushes up [my]0-i throat . [The baby]1688-the baby[My]0-i heartbeat ratchets up . This ca n’t be good for [the baby]1688-the baby , surely ? [I]0-i draw in a breath , another . Take it easy . It ’s going to be fine . [I]0-i swallow down the nervousness that clogs [my]0-i throat . Who could have done this ? [Antonio]87-antonio ? What does [he]87-antonio want now ? Where am [I]0-i ? Footsteps sound ; [I]0-i freeze . Who can it be ? Will [they]1690-they hurt [me]0-i ? Silence for a few moments . [I]0-i hunch [my]0-i shoulders , hold [my]0-i breath . Go away , please do n’t come close . There ’s a sound of shuffling so close . A bead of sweat runs down [my]0-i spine . Who is out there ? [[My]0-i captor]1691-my captor ? What is [he]1691-my captor going to do next ? [I]0-i hear a click and the hair on the back of [my]0-i neck rise . " Come out of there . "[0-i] A familiar voice rips through the silence , " [I]0-i know [you]0-i ’re in [there]220-there . [I]0-i ’m giving [you]0-i five seconds to reveal [yourself]0-i before [I]0-i start shooting . "[0-i] No , " [I]47-saint try to say the word out loud but [my]47-saint voice is muffled . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint , it ’s [me]0-i , " [my]47-saint words are garbled . [I]47-saint can barely speak through the gag in [my]47-saint mouth . [I]47-saint shuffle forward , [my]47-saint feet thumping against a barrier . "[47-saint] Who ’s there ? " [His]47-saint voice is tense . The sense of danger ratchets up . Shit , [he]47-saint ca n’t shoot . [I]108-victoria wo n’t let [him]47-saint hurt [me]108-victoria[Us]3131-us . Worse than what might happen to [me]108-victoria and [the baby]1688-the baby , it would destroy [him]47-saint . [I]108-victoria wriggle forward , kick out again and slam into a barrier . The next instant , there ’s a creak of a door being opened and the air shifts . The darkness lightens by several shades . Had [I]108-victoria been thrust into [a closet]3133-a closet ? An electric current runs up [my]108-victoria spine . It ’s [Saint]47-saint . [He]47-saint ’s here . [I]108-victoria try to speak again , [my]108-victoria voice muffled . "[108-victoria] [Victoria]108-victoria . " [My]47-saint blindfold is pulled off . [I]47-saint blink against the brightness . Arms wind around [me]47-saint . [He]47-saint scoops [me]47-saint up , restraints and all , and places [me]47-saint on the ground . [He]47-saint pulls off the gag ; the bindings around [my]47-saint wrists loosen . [I]47-saint crack open [my]47-saint eyelids to find [him]47-saint kneeling over [me]47-saint . There ’s a flash of steel , then the ropes around [my]47-saint ankles give away . [I]47-saint collapse into [him]47-saint . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint , " [my]47-saint throat hurts and a headache pounds at [my]47-saint temples . "[47-saint] Jesus , [Gigi]53-gigi . " [He]47-saint pulls [me]53-gigi into [his]47-saint lap and cradles [me]53-gigi . [I]53-gigi press [my]53-gigi ear to [his]47-saint chest , listen to the thundering of [his]47-saint heart . [He]47-saint rocks [me]53-gigi back and forth . "[53-gigi] [You]53-gigi ’re safe , " [he]47-saint mumbles into [my]53-gigi hair . [His]47-saint grip tightens around [me]53-gigi and pain shivers up [my]53-gigi arm . [I]53-gigi whimper . "[53-gigi] Are [you]53-gigi hurt ? " [He]47-saint pulls back to peer at [my]0-i arm . [I]0-i look down to find the sleeve ripped . A thin trickle of blood stains the cloth . A growl rips from [him]47-saint . [I]0-i shudder , "[0-i] [I]0-i[I]0-i ’m fine . " "[0-i] [You]53-gigi ’re bleeding . " "[53-gigi] It ’s a scratch , " [I]0-i insist . "[0-i] Who hurt [you]53-gigi ? " [He]47-saint pinches [my]0-i chin , so [I]0-i have to peer up at [him]47-saint , "[0-i] Did [you]53-gigi catch a glimpse of who it was ? " "[0-i] No , " [I]0-i swallow , "[0-i] [I]0-i was walking to [the hospital]1538-the hospital . " "[0-i] [Hospital]1693-hospital ? " "[0-i] For the check - up . " "[0-i] Check - up — ? " [His]47-saint voice trails off . A strange look comes into [his]47-saint eyes . Fear ? Anger ? Then [his]47-saint features close . "[0-i] Is everything okay ? Are [you]53-gigi — ? " "[53-gigi] [I]0-i ’m fine . " [My]108-victoria chest hurts ; the back of [my]108-victoria throat burns . Shit , why should it matter to [me]108-victoria that [he]47-saint does n’t want [kids]462-kids ? This entire thing had gone wrong . [He]47-saint was supposed to have guessed [my]108-victoria riddle , then embraced [me]108-victoria , kissed [me]108-victoria , and taken [me]108-victoria [home]213-home . To [[his]47-saint hotel room]3136-his hotel room , [I]108-victoria mean , because of course , [the man]207-the man does n’t have [a place to call [his]47-saint own]3138-a place to call his own . [He]47-saint prefers the transience that being in [a hotel room]3139-a hotel room gives [him]47-saint . The freedom from relationships , from [someone like [me]108-victoria]3140-someone like me . [I]108-victoria push at [his]47-saint chest . [His]47-saint grip tightens . "[108-victoria] [Victoria]108-victoria . ’ " [Saint]47-saint . "[1694-we] [We]1694-we speak at the same time . " [I]1694-we … "[1694-we] " [You]1696-he … "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow , " [you]1696-he were saying ? "[0-i] A dull thud echoes around [the space]532-the space . [I]0-i stare at [him]1696-he and [his]1696-he gaze widens . " [We]1694-we need to get out of here . "[1696-he] [He]1696-he rises , carrying [me]0-i . " [I]0-i can walk , "[0-i] [I]0-i protest . [He]1696-he ignores [me]0-i and heads for the doorway . For the first time , [I]0-i glance around , taking in [the space]532-the space . [It]532-the space ’s [an empty room with a closet in the corner , the one [I]0-i had been locked in]1698-an empty room with a closet in the corner , the one i had been locked in . [I]0-i shudder . [He]1696-he holds [me]0-i closer , " [You]0-i ’re safe . "[1696-he] [His]1696-he voice rumbles in [his]1696-he chest . [I]0-i should n’t feel the need to lean on [him]1696-he , to thrust [my]0-i nose into the strip of flesh that peeks out from between [his]1696-he lapels , and inhale [his]1696-he scent . [My]0-i lungs fill with [his]1696-he essence and [my]0-i heart rate stabilizes . Shit , why do [I]0-i feel so secure , so protected when [I]0-i ’m with [him]1696-he ? For so long , [I]0-i had depended on [myself]0-i[my]0-i instincts , [my]0-i ability to withstand anything thrown [my]0-i way . And how had that worked out , huh ? [I]0-i ’d done a slap - up job of it — negotiating [Nina]52-nina 's release , and [my]0-i continued freedom , by agreeing to play a role in [Saint]47-saint ’s downfall . Tears prick at the backs of [my]0-i eyes . Even [my]0-i bloody hormones are no longer on [my]0-i side . " [I]0-i ’m sorry , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " For what ? "[1696-he] [He]1696-he prowls down [the steps]2712-the steps , reaching a landing that opens into [another vacant room]1700-another vacant room . " For everything . "[1696-he] " [I]1696-he should be the one apologizing for being so hardheaded . "[1696-he] " No arguments there , "[0-i] [I]0-i snicker through the ball of emotion in [my]0-i throat . " Guess that ’s one more thing [we]1706-we agree on . "[1696-he] [He]1696-he walks out onto [the landing]1701-the landing , glances around , then continues down the dilapidated steps toward [[his]1696-he Jaguar]1702-his jaguar , parked outside . [A couple of [boys in hoodies]1704-boys in hoodies]1703-a couple of boys in hoodies mill around nearby . [I]0-i take in [the house next door]1705-the house next door — paint peeling , garbage cans over - filled , with trash on the pavement outside . Across from [us]1706-we , there ’s [a boarded - up store]1707-a boarded - up store . [The other houses on [the street]3035-the street]1708-the other houses on the street seem as deserted . The electronic lock beeps , then [he]1696-he opens the door on the passenger side and places [me]0-i in it . " Buckle up . "[1696-he] [He]1696-he leans back , shuts the door , and walks around . [One of [the boys]1711-the boys]1710-one of the boys stops [him]1696-he . [They]1711-the boys speak , then [he]1696-he pulls out [his]1696-he wallet , pulls out a few notes , and hands them over . [He]1696-he reaches into another pocket to pull out a card . [He]1696-he slips that to [the second boy]1712-the second boy and [they]1712-the second boy fist bump . In seconds , [he]1696-he ’s in [the driver]266-the driver ’s seat , and starts [the car]264-the car . " What was that about ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask , as [he]1696-he eases [the cars]1715-the cars from [the curb]1716-the curb . [The boys]1711-the boys step back , watch [us]1718-us as [we]1718-us pull away . " Told [them]1711-the boys to call [me]1711-the boys if [they]1711-the boys see [anyone]280-anyone coming in or out of [the house]441-the house . "[1711-the boys] " How did [you]0-i find [me]1696-he ? "[1696-he] [He]1696-he pulls out [his]1696-he phone and hands it to [me]0-i , then focuses on [the road ahead]1719-the road ahead . [I]0-i read the text . " Who sent it , [you]0-i think ? "[0-i] " [Antonio]87-antonio ? "[1696-he] [he]1696-he growls . " Perhaps . "[1696-he] [I]0-i lean [my]0-i head back into the seat . " It ’s confusing . Why would [he]87-antonio ask [you]0-i to call off those following [him]87-antonio , then kidnap [me]0-i , only to send [you]0-i [my]0-i whereabouts ? And how did [you]0-i know exactly where to look ? "[0-i] [His]1696-he jaw tics . " When [we]3143-we were abducted , that ’s [the house where [we]3143-we were held]3144-the house where we were held . [I]0-i should have bought it and torn it down a long time ago . Guess [none of [us]3143-we]3145-none of us wanted anything to do with it . After that incident , [we]3143-we simply wanted to put it behind [us]3143-we and move on . "[0-i] [His]1696-he knuckles turn white . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to [him]1696-he , " Why ... would [he]87-antonio send [you]1696-he to [the same place]3146-the same place ? "[0-i] " A warning about what would happen if [I]1696-he screwed with [the Mafia]314-the mafia ? "[1696-he] [He]1696-he growls , " [He]1696-he has no idea how personal [he]1696-he 's made this . No way , am [I]1696-he letting [him]1696-he go without having [my]1696-he vengeance . [He]1696-he dared touch [you]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi . [He]1696-he 's going to pay for it . "[1696-he] [His]1696-he harsh tone slices down [my]0-i spine , [my]0-i nipples bead , and lust curls in [my]0-i belly . Hell , hearing [him]1696-he all worked up on [my]0-i behalf is way too much of a turn on to resist . The phone in [my]0-i hand — [his]1696-he phone — pings again . [I]0-i stiffen and [my]0-i heart begins to thud . [I]0-i glance down at the screen . " What does it say ? "[0-i] [I]0-i wet [my]0-i lips . Read , and re - read the message . " Aloud , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] Maybe it 's the fact that [he]1696-he uses [my]0-i nickname , or the way [his]1696-he voice stretches with tension , or the command in [his]1696-he tone that whips across [my]0-i skin and makes [my]0-i pussy clench . Shit , [I]0-i want every dirty thing [he]1696-he can do to [me]0-i again . Is this any way for [a pregnant woman]1720-a pregnant woman to be thinking ? Is it the hormones ? The fact that [I]0-i am carrying [[his]1696-he baby]1721-his baby , that ’s making [me]0-i so aware of [his]1696-he nearness . [His]1696-he voice lowers to a hush , " Do n’t keep [me]1696-he waiting . "[1696-he] That dominant edge of [his]1696-he intent slices through [my]0-i barriers , reducing [me]0-i to a trembling mess inside . [I]0-i swallow , then scan the words again , " [You]1696-he found [her]3148-her . Do n’t let [her]3148-her go . "[0-i] " What ? "[1696-he] [he]1696-he snaps . " That ’s it . "[1696-he] [I]0-i dig [my]0-i heels into the floor , " That ’s all it says . "[0-i] [He]1696-he stops at [a traffic light]1722-a traffic light , then snatches the phone from [me]0-i . [He]1696-he scans the screen again , then swears under [his]1696-he breath , " The hell does that mean ? "[1696-he] [I]0-i twist [my]0-i fingers in [my]0-i lap , " Apparently , [Antonio]87-antonio has a conscience after all . "[0-i] " What do [you]1696-he mean ? "[1696-he] The signal turns green , [he]1696-he presses down on the accelerator , and [the car]264-the car leaps forward . [My]0-i breath catches ; [my]0-i heart thuds in [my]0-i chest . " Sorry , "[1696-he] [he]1696-he mutters . " It ’s just — [I]1696-he do n’t get it . Did [he]87-antonio stage this , to get [us]3149-us to speak again ? "[1696-he] " Seems that way , "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . " [He]87-antonio was never [an easy man to comprehend]3150-an easy man to comprehend . "[0-i] " Do n’t talk about [him]87-antonio . "[1696-he] A warm sensation blooms [my]0-i chest , " [You]1696-he jealous ? "[1696-he] [He]1696-he laughs , the sound bitter , " [[My]1696-he wife]851-my wife has a history with [another man]218-another man , a past [I]1696-he do n’t know anything about . What do [you]1696-he think ? "[1696-he] " [I]1696-he was [a virgin]1157-a virgin . "[1696-he] [His]1696-he knuckles on the wheel tighten . " There are other ways to have a relationship , other than a physical one . "[1696-he] " And [you]1696-he think that ’s what [I]1696-he had with [Antonio]87-antonio ? "[1696-he] " [You]1696-he tell [me]1696-he . "[1696-he] " [He]87-antonio was [[my]1696-he contact with [the Mafia]314-the mafia]3154-my contact with the mafia . [He]87-antonio 's the one who negotiated a deal with [them]314-the mafia to ensure [Nina]52-nina 's release — in return for getting [him]87-antonio the USB with the video clip of [you]0-i being held in [that room]1658-that room . "[1696-he] [He]1696-he makes a noise deep in [his]1696-he throat . [I]0-i glance sideways at [him]1696-he , " [I]0-i ’m sorry , [Saint]47-saint . "[0-i] " For what ? "[1696-he] " For giving [the media]1642-the media a chance to tear down [your]47-saint reputation . "[1696-he] " [I]0-i do n’t give a fuck about that . "[0-i] " And [[your]47-saint company]3158-your company , the losses [it]3158-your company suffered because of the ensuing media uproar ? "[1696-he] " [I]1696-he managed to shut down most of [the journalists who were there that day]3159-the journalists who were there that day . "[1696-he] " How ? "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to [him]1696-he , " Of course , [you]47-saint paid [them]1642-the media to stay quiet . "[0-i] " Just when [you]47-saint think money does n’t buy everything … It surprises [you]47-saint with how much it does help . "[1696-he] " So , [I]1696-he guess [you]47-saint survived that unscathed then . "[1696-he] " Except for the fact that [[my]0-i wife]851-my wife betrayed [me]0-i , and handed over the most important piece of evidence of what had turned [my]0-i life upside down . "[0-i] [I]0-i wince , bunching fingers into fists . " [You]1696-he could have simply asked [me]0-i . [I]0-i ’d have given the USB to [you]1696-he . "[0-i] [I]0-i swing around to face [him]1696-he , " [You]1696-he would have done that ? "[0-i] " Maybe , "[1696-he] [he]1696-he raises a shoulder . " Of course , [I]1696-he ’d have extracted [my]1696-he punishment for it . "[1696-he] [My]0-i toes curl . " And [you]1696-he ’d have loved every minute of it . "[1696-he] [His]1696-he lips twist in that smirk that ’s hot and mean , and seems to promise more of all the filthy things that [he]1696-he 'd ever done to [me]0-i . [I]0-i fold [my]0-i hands in [my]0-i lap , " [I]0-i ’m not coming to [[your]1696-he hotel]2088-your hotel . "[0-i] " [I]0-i ’m not allowing [you]1696-he to return to [that apartment]3162-that apartment . "[0-i] " [You]1696-he know where … ? "[0-i] [I]0-i straighten , " Of course , [you]1696-he do . [I]0-i ’m surprised [you]1696-he do n’t own [the entire building]3163-the entire building . "[0-i] [He]1696-he stays silent . [I]0-i turn sideways in [my]0-i seat , " [You]1696-he do , do n’t [you]1696-he ? [You]1696-he own [the building]412-the building . "[0-i] [He]1696-he stays focused on [the road]439-the road . " What did [you]1696-he offer Amelie this time ? "[1696-he] " Nothing . [She]3165-she refused to help [me]1696-he . [I]1696-he … "[1696-he] [he]1696-he flicks a quick glance , " [I]1696-he used [my]1696-he resources . "[1696-he] " It was too much to hope [you]1696-he ’d simply let [me]1696-he leave and get on with [my]1696-he life ? "[1696-he] " What about the life [you]1696-he carry inside of [you]1696-he ? "[0-i] [I]0-i pale . " [You]1696-he[you]1696-he guessed ? "[0-i] " [Weston]62-weston told [me]1696-he , "[1696-he] [his]1696-he features harden . [I]0-i stare straight ahead . " [You]1696-he could n’t crack [my]0-i riddle that day . Imagine that ? [You]1696-he , who are able to solve almost any puzzle . [You]1696-he could n’t guess the answer . "[0-i] " Even [I]1696-he have [my]1696-he shortcomings , it seems , "[1696-he] [he]1696-he retorts . " Or maybe [you]1696-he did n’t want to find out what [I]1696-he meant ? "[1696-he] [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , " Admit it , [you]1696-he do n’t want [this child]1572-this child . "[0-i]

48

[Saint]47-saint

" [I]0-i want to take care of [you]1572-this child , [Victoria]108-victoria . "[0-i] [I]0-i keep [my]0-i gaze focused on [the road]439-the road . " Since the first time [I]0-i saw [you]1572-this child , it ’s all [I]0-i ’ve wanted to do . [I]0-i ca n’t share [you]1572-this child with [anyone else]369-anyone else . "[0-i] " Not even [[our]3168-our child]3169-our child ? "[1726-her] " [I]0-i did n’t say that . "[0-i] [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i jaw . " What are [you]0-i saying then ? "[0-i] [Her]1726-her voice sounds tired , defeated . [I]0-i glance sideways to find [her]1726-her hunched back into [her]1726-her seat . Dark circles surround [her]1726-her eyes . There are hollows below [her]1726-her cheekbones . [Her]1726-her beautiful hair is disheveled . [She]1726-her looks fragile , exhausted by everything [she]1726-her ’s faced . [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i fingers on the steering wheel . [I]0-i had failed in [my]0-i duties as [[her]1726-her husband]223-her husband . [I]0-i had promised to protect [her]1726-her , shield [her]1726-her from [the world]212-the world . [I]0-i had let [my]0-i fears , the bad things [I]0-i ’d imagined could happen , get in the way . Oh , a part of [me]0-i had guessed what [she]1726-her was trying to say that day . [My]0-i subconscious had clocked the way [she]1726-her had placed [her]1726-her palm on [her]1726-her belly , how [she]1726-her ’d glanced at [me]0-i with hope and trepidation . How [she]1726-her ’d straightened [her]1726-her shoulders , ready to take on [anyone]280-anyone , even [me]0-i[the man who was [hers]1726-her]1730-the man who was hers . [I]0-i slam [my]0-i hand against the steering wheel . [She]1726-her stiffens . " Sorry , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter under [my]0-i breath . Fuck , for [someone who always knows what [he]1731-someone who always knows what he wants wants]1731-someone who always knows what he wants , [I]0-i sure am unable to interpret the signals that [my]0-i brain is trying to send [me]0-i . " Come back with [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi . Give [me]0-i a chance to show [you]53-gigi how it could be between [us]3170-us . "[0-i] " [You]0-i mean , hurt [me]1732-i again ? [Trample]144-trample all over [my]1732-i feelings and refuse to acknowledge what ’s between [us]3170-us ? "[1732-i] " [I]1732-i love [you]53-gigi . [I]1732-i ’ve told [you]53-gigi that already . Hell , [I]1732-i married [you]53-gigi . "[1732-i] " And served [me]0-i divorce papers . "[0-i] " [I]1732-i thought that ’s what [you]53-gigi wanted . "[1732-i] [Her]1732-i lips turn down . [She]1732-i glances away . Anger laces [my]0-i blood . Frustration twists [my]0-i guts . " Let ’s talk about this later , shall [we]3171-we ? "[1732-i] [She]1732-i nods . That worries [me]0-i more . [Gigi]53-gigi ’s always been [a fighter]1733-a fighter , feisty to the core , challenging [me]0-i at every turn . Fuck , that ’s what had attracted [me]0-i to [her]53-gigi — that core of unshakeable steel inviting [me]0-i to push [her]53-gigi , control [her]53-gigi , try to manipulate [her]53-gigi to get a response from [her]53-gigi . Perhaps the entire ordeal had finally caught up with [her]53-gigi . [That fucker]1331-that fucker , [Antonio]87-antonio , had accomplished what [I]0-i had n’t been able to do during the course of [our]1735-our time together . No way , am [I]0-i letting [him]1331-that fucker get away with this latest attempt at trying to kidnap [her]53-gigi . If [he]1331-that fucker thinks simply getting [some woman]2366-some woman to record a video asking [me]0-i to keep away was going to cut it , then [he]1331-that fucker is wrong , so wrong . [I]0-i pull up at [the curb of [Claridge]85-claridge 's]1737-the curb of claridge 's . Jumping out of [the car]264-the car , [I]0-i walk around to open the door . [She]53-gigi steps out . [I]0-i grab [her]53-gigi hand , entangle [our]1735-our fingers , and lead [her]53-gigi up [the sidewalk]436-the sidewalk . A gust of wind blows , knocking over the sign [the homeless man]1740-the homeless man holds . It falls right in [my]0-i path . [I]0-i pause , glance down .

" How should [I]0-i greet [thee]53-gigi ? With silence and tears . "[0-i]

[I]0-i swear aloud ; [she]53-gigi stiffens . " What ’s wrong ? "[53-gigi] [she]53-gigi asks . " Nothing … "[53-gigi] [I]0-i step over the hardboard sign , head for the door of [the hotel]312-the hotel . " Thanks for dinner , "[968-homeless guy] [Homeless guy]968-homeless guy calls out . [I]0-i pause , half turn , to find [he]968-homeless guy 's packing up [his]968-homeless guy shit . [He]968-homeless guy places [his]968-homeless guy hat on [his]968-homeless guy head , then rises to [his]968-homeless guy feet . " [You]0-i ai n't as much of [a tosser]3172-a tosser as [you]0-i seem , "[968-homeless guy] [he]968-homeless guy chuckles . [I]0-i blink , watch as [he]968-homeless guy plonks the sign over [his]968-homeless guy shoulder , then marches up [the road]439-the road . " Is that fucking odd or what ? "[968-homeless guy] [I]0-i pivot , stalk toward [the hotel]312-the hotel . " Why did [he]968-homeless guy thank [you]0-i for dinner ? "[1745-her] [she]1745-her queries . " [He]968-homeless guy probably eats every night at [the hotel]312-the hotel , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . " [He]968-homeless guy does ? "[0-i] [I]0-i nod , " All of the leftovers of the day are donated every night , in [a makeshift soup kitchen [we]3175-we set up in the back]3174-a makeshift soup kitchen we set up in the back . "[0-i] [Her]1745-her forehead furrows , " [You]0-i do that ? "[1745-her] " It ’s economical . "[0-i] Heat suffuses [my]0-i face , " Do n’t go making [me]0-i out to be empathetic or some such shit , because [I]0-i ’m not . "[0-i] " Of course , not . "[1745-her] [Her]1745-her lips curve slightly . The wind blows again and [she]1745-her shivers . [I]0-i pull [her]1745-her close , steer [her]1745-her up the steps and through the open door . Bypassing [the main elevators in [the lobby]2637-the lobby]1746-the main elevators in the lobby , [I]0-i head for [the one at the far end of [the floor]2896-the floor]1748-the one at the far end of the floor . The doors open almost immediately , and [I]0-i step inside with [her]1745-her . [I]0-i frown , " Did [you]1745-her see [his]3176-his face ? [The guy who took [you]1745-her]3177-the guy who took you ? "[0-i] [She]1745-her shakes [her]1745-her head , " [I]1745-her only heard [him]3176-his a couple of times through the closed door of [[my]1745-her room]842-my room . "[1745-her] [She]1745-her curls [her]1745-her finger into [my]0-i shirt and [I]0-i cuddle [her]1745-her even closer . " [You]1745-her ’re safe with [me]1745-her , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1745-her] " So [you]0-i keep saying , "[1745-her] [she]1745-her sniffs . " [I]1745-her mean it . "[1745-her] [She]1745-her peers up at [me]0-i , " [I]1745-her know . "[1745-her] " [I]1745-her wo n’t let [Antonio]87-antonio or [anyone else]369-anyone else get to [you]0-i . "[1745-her] " [Antonio]87-antonio wo n’t hurt — "[1745-her] " That ’s all [I]0-i am going to say on the topic , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . [She]1745-her purses [her]1745-her lips . For a second , [I]0-i am sure [she]1745-her ’s going to counter [me]0-i , then [she]1745-her draws in a breath and nods . " Truce ? "[1745-her] " For now . "[1745-her] " Jesus , "[1745-her] [she]1745-her huffs , " ca n’t [you]0-i ever let [me]1745-her have the last word ? "[1745-her] " Never , "[0-i] [I]0-i allow [my]0-i lips to curl . [She]1745-her frowns . The doors open , [I]0-i step onto [the penthouse floor]1750-the penthouse floor , then guide [her]1745-her to [[my]0-i hotel suite]1345-my hotel suite . Once inside , [I]0-i pull [her]1745-her with [me]0-i , through [the living room]2667-the living room , into [the bedroom]2666-the bedroom , then the ensuite . " What are [you]1745-her doing ? "[0-i] [I]0-i do n’t answer . If [I]0-i do , no doubt , [my]0-i words will hurt [her]1745-her further . [I]0-i reach the tub and turn on the water . Steam instantly rises in the air . [I]0-i lift [her]1745-her onto the counter , then undo [her]1745-her buttons . [She]1745-her tries to pull [her]1745-her shirt off . [I]0-i catch [her]1745-her hands in [mine]0-i , " Let [me]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi , please . "[0-i] [She]1745-her tips up [her]1745-her chin , searching [my]0-i features . What is [she]1745-her looking for ? [Her]1745-her green eyes darken and [her]1745-her lips part . [Her]1745-her fingers tremble in [mine]0-i . [I]0-i move in closer . [She]1745-her parts [her]1745-her legs and [I]0-i step into the space between them . " [Gigi]53-gigi , "[0-i] [my]0-i voice comes out harsh . " [I]0-i love it when [you]1745-her call [me]0-i that . "[0-i] [I]0-i allow [my]0-i lips to curl , " Thought [you]1745-her hated [my]0-i nickname for [you]1745-her . "[0-i] " [I]1745-her lied , "[1745-her] [she]1745-her whispers . " [I]1745-her know , "[1745-her] [I]0-i lower [my]0-i head , until [our]1754-our eyelashes tangle . " [I]1745-her ’m sorry , "[1745-her] [her]1745-her lips tremble and a tear slides down [her]1745-her cheek . [I]0-i bend down and lick it up . A sob catches in [her]1745-her throat . [I]0-i place [my]0-i forehead against [hers]1745-her , " Do n’t cry , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow down the lump that blocks [my]0-i throat . Fuck , what is it about [this woman that guts [me]0-i so completely]1755-this woman that guts me so completely ? " Did n’t mean to , "[1745-her] [her]1745-her chin wobbles . " [I]1745-her ’d fucking slay anything that causes [you]0-i misery . [I]1745-her ’ll drown out the entire fucking world , set fire to the monsters that lurk in the dark around [you]0-i . [I]1745-her[I]1745-her ’ll rip open [my]1745-her chest and show [you]0-i what it means to be near [you]0-i . "[1745-her] " Would [you]1745-her accept [this child]1572-this child as [yours]1745-her ? "[0-i] [My]0-i eyes fly open . " [I]0-i ’ll never shirk [my]0-i responsibilities when it came to the two of [you]0-i . "[0-i] " That ’s not what [I]0-i asked . "[0-i] [I]0-i step back , reach above [her]1745-her to pull out the antiseptic and cotton wads . " It ’s all [I]0-i can give [you]1745-her right now . "[0-i] " It wo n’t be enough . "[0-i] " Can [we]3181-we take this one day at a time ? [I]0-i am trying [Victoria]108-victoria , [I]0-i promise [I]0-i am . "[0-i] [I]0-i place the medicines on the counter next to [her]1745-her , then reach for [her]1745-her shirt . This time [she]1745-her allows [me]0-i to undo the buttons , help [her]1745-her out of the shirt . [I]0-i take in the mark on [her]1745-her shoulder . A growl rips out of [me]0-i , " Fuck . "[0-i] [I]0-i reach out to touch the fading scar . [She]1745-her flinches . " Does it hurt ? "[1745-her] " Not anymore . "[0-i] " Fuck , this was [my]1745-her fault . "[1745-her] " Stop trying to take responsibility for everything . "[1745-her] [She]1745-her squares [her]1745-her shoulders . " [I]1745-her am [the one who played ball with [the Mafia]314-the mafia]3182-the one who played ball with the mafia … Things were bound to get a little crazy . [I]1745-her mean , it ’s not like [they]314-the mafia ’d have let [me]1745-her walk away without paying a price . "[1745-her] [I]0-i grit [my]0-i teeth so hard , [my]0-i jaw hurts . " [I]0-i ’ll ensure [they]314-the mafia never get to [you]1745-her again . "[0-i] " [I]1745-her know . "[1745-her] [She]1745-her smiles a little , " [I]1745-her always knew [you]0-i would be [my]1745-her knight in shining armor . "[1745-her] " More like [the villain]3184-the villain . "[0-i] " [I]0-i have a thing for [bad guys]3185-bad guys . "[0-i] " [I]0-i noticed . "[0-i] [I]0-i chuckle , " So long as it ’s [me]0-i [you]1745-her ’re talking about and not [that bastard]2407-that bastard ... "[0-i] " [You]0-i really do n’t have to worry about [Antonio]87-antonio . "[0-i] " How can [you]0-i be so confident ? "[0-i] " [Nina]52-nina , [the woman in the video]3187-the woman in the video ? "[0-i] [I]0-i nod . " [He]87-antonio … has a thing for [her]52-nina . It ’s the only reason [I]0-i agreed to take on this entire mission , knowing [he]87-antonio ’d never let anything happen to [her]52-nina . It ’s why [he]87-antonio ’ll take the evidence [I]0-i gave [him]87-antonio to [the Mafia]314-the mafia and ensure that [they]314-the mafia stick to [their]314-the mafia word . "[0-i] " [I]0-i hate it , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " No way , am [I]0-i going to put [your]1756-your future in the hands of [that motherfucker]1129-that motherfucker , [I]0-i am going to track [him]87-antonio down and when [I]0-i do — "[0-i] " What ? "[0-i] A new voice rings out . " What will [you]0-i do ? "[0-i] [I]0-i swivel around , ensuring [my]0-i body is between [her]1756-your and [whoever ’s walked in]1757-whoever ’s walked in . " What the fuck are [you]0-i doing [here]260-here ? "[0-i]

49

[Victoria]108-victoria

" [Antonio]87-antonio , "[0-i] [I]0-i try to scramble off the counter , only [Saint]47-saint steps back , imprisoning [me]0-i . " What game are [you]0-i trying to play , [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[87-antonio] [Antonio]87-antonio ’s hard voice fills the space . [I]0-i shove against [Saint]47-saint ; [he]47-saint does n’t move . [He]47-saint may as well have turned into a concrete wall . " [I]0-i need to talk to [him]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter , keeping [my]0-i voice to a whisper . [Saint]47-saint ’s shoulders bunch . " [You]0-i can talk from where [you]0-i are . "[47-saint] Right . [I]0-i glance down at [myself]0-i , then do up [my]0-i buttons . [I]0-i give [his]47-saint back another shove ; [he]47-saint still does n’t move . [I]0-i huff , then peek around [him]47-saint , " What are [you]47-saint doing here ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl at [Antonio]87-antonio . " [I]0-i thought [you]87-antonio 'd be on [your]87-antonio way back to [Sicily]10-sicily by now ? "[0-i] " [Sicily]10-sicily ? "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint exclaims . " Shit . "[47-saint] [I]0-i clap [my]0-i palm over [my]0-i mouth . " The hell ? "[0-i] [Antonio]87-antonio looks between [us]1758-us , then folds [his]87-antonio arms over [his]87-antonio chest . " [You]0-i bugged the USB drive ? "[87-antonio] [He]87-antonio glowers at [me]0-i , " [You]0-i thought [I]87-antonio would n’t find out ? "[87-antonio] " Bugged ? "[0-i] [I]0-i blink , " [I]0-i did n’t . "[0-i] " That was [me]47-saint , "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint says . " What ? "[0-i] [I]0-i exclaim . [Antonio]87-antonio swears under [his]87-antonio breath , " [I]87-antonio should have trusted [my]87-antonio instincts and left when [I]87-antonio had a chance . "[87-antonio] " That , [you]87-antonio should have , "[1759-another voice] says [another voice]1759-another voice . [Antonio]87-antonio swings around . [Weston]62-weston stands there , arm in a sling . [Antonio]87-antonio reaches for [his]87-antonio gun , but [Sinclair]45-sinclair steps inside the bathroom door , gun aimed at [Antonio]87-antonio , " Do n’t even think about it . "[45-sinclair] [Antonio]87-antonio freezes . [Sinclair]45-sinclair jerks [his]45-sinclair chin and [Antonio]87-antonio walks forward . [Weston]62-weston steps aside , allowing [Antonio]87-antonio to walk through . [Sinclair]45-sinclair follows . [Weston]62-weston glances at [Saint]47-saint , " [[You]47-saint guys]2381-you guys okay ? "[62-weston] [Saint]47-saint nods , " Thanks , [man]2109-man . [I]47-saint owe [you]2109-man . "[47-saint] A look passes between [them]1760-them , then [Weston]62-weston retreats , " [We]2381-you guys ’ll be in [the living room]2667-the living room . Do n’t take too long ; [we]2381-you guys need to figure out what to do with [this mofo]3194-this mofo . "[62-weston] The door closes . [Saint]47-saint swings around to face [me]0-i . " [You]0-i okay ? "[47-saint] [he]47-saint grips [my]0-i shoulders . A trembling grips [me]0-i as adrenaline drains from [my]0-i blood . " [You]0-i[you]0-i knew that [I]47-saint was going to hand over the evidence to [him]3194-this mofo ? "[47-saint] " [You]0-i did n't mention that [he]3194-this mofo had connections to [Sicily]10-sicily ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint retorts . " [He]3194-this mofo 's [part of [the Mafia]314-the mafia]3195-part of the mafia ... of course [they]314-the mafia 're connected to [Sicily]10-sicily . "[47-saint] [I]0-i mutter , then throw [my]0-i hands up . " [I]0-i did n't think it was important okay ? [I]0-i peer up at [him]47-saint , "[0-i] Guess [we]1761-we still have secrets from [each other]2117-each other ? " [He]47-saint peruses [my]0-i futures , then exhales a breath . "[0-i] Why the hell ca n't [we]1761-we trust [each other]2117-each other ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i 'm trying . " [I]0-i mutter . "[0-i] Yeah . " [He]47-saint rubs the back of [his]47-saint neck . "[0-i] So am [I.]1764-i. " [His]47-saint lips quirk , "[1764-i.] and to answer [your]0-i question , [I]0-i suspected that [you]0-i might do so . " Oh . [I]0-i raise [my]0-i fingers to [my]0-i lips , [he]47-saint grabs [my]0-i wrist . "[0-i] No biting [your]0-i fingernails . " [He]47-saint admonishes [me]0-i . O - k - a - y. [I]0-i peer up into [his]47-saint face , "[0-i] So , all this time , when [you]0-i pretended [you]0-i wanted nothing to do with [me]0-i , [you]0-i" [He]47-saint nods . "[0-i] [I]0-i had [[my]0-i men]1765-my men follow [you]0-i . [I]0-i tracked [your]0-i movements . " "[0-i] Even in [the apartment]1766-the apartment ? " [He]47-saint frowns . "[0-i] Please do n’t hold back , [Saint]47-saint . " "[47-saint] There are cameras at [the apartment]1766-the apartment , " [he]47-saint finally concedes . "[0-i] [You]0-i spied on [me]0-i ? " "[0-i] Not … always . " "[0-i] But [you]0-i did . " "[0-i] On occasion … " [He]47-saint draws [himself]47-saint up to [his]47-saint full height , "[0-i] [I]0-i watched [you]0-i bring [yourself]0-i to orgasm every night , and wished [I]0-i was there . It should have been [my]0-i hands on [you]0-i , [my]0-i cock buried inside [you]0-i , it should have been [me]0-i wringing those moans from [you]0-i instead of an inanimate object . " [My]0-i cheeks burn , "[0-i] Shit , [you]0-i saw all that ? " It should be creepy and awfully stalkerish , so why do [I]0-i find it strangely reassuring that [he]47-saint ’d had [his]47-saint eye on [me]0-i all this time ? [He]47-saint tilts [his]47-saint head , "[0-i] How else do [you]0-i think [I]0-i survived the last few weeks ? " [I]0-i frown , "[0-i] Yet [you]0-i did n’t guess [I]0-i was pregnant until [Weston]62-weston told [you]0-i . " [His]47-saint chest rises and falls , straining against the shirt [he]47-saint wears . "[62-weston] [I]0-i am [a dick]1768-a dick . What can [I]0-i say ? The mind recognizes what it wants to . " [I]0-i chuckle , "[0-i] Well , [we]1769-we make a fine pair , do n’t [we]1769-we ? " The hair on [my]1769-we forearms rises . "[1769-we] [We]1769-we ’re so bloody wrong for each other . " "[1769-we] On the contrary , [I]0-i ca n’t think of anything more right . [You]0-i bring out the worst … and the best in [me]0-i . [You]0-i drive [me]0-i insane , [Gigi]53-gigi . [You]0-i tie [me]0-i up in knots , and every time [I]0-i think [I]0-i ’ve figured [you]0-i out , [you]0-i throw [me]0-i a surprise . " "[0-i] Is that good or bad ? " "[0-i] It ’s good … and bad . " [He]0-i leans down and licks [my]0-i lips , "[0-i] And it ’s definitely a bloody turn on . Thing is , there is no one for [me]0-i but [you]0-i . " "[0-i] Even though [I]0-i am pregnant with [[your]0-i child]2700-your child . " "[0-i] Especially because [you]0-i are pregnant with [[my]0-i child]2594-my child , " [his]0-i blue eyes deepen with some emotion [I]0-i ca n’t quite place . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n’t want [you]0-i to feel like [you]0-i have to do the right thing by [me]0-i . " "[0-i] [I]0-i only want to do all the wrong things to [you]0-i , " [he]0-i smirks . "[0-i] [You]0-i know that ’s not what [I]0-i mean . " [He]0-i pulls away and the cold air swoops over [me]0-i . Damn it , why do [I]0-i miss [his]0-i presence already ? "[0-i] [I]0-i swore never to bring [any child]1772-any child into [the world]212-the world — to allow [myself]0-i to become that vulnerable , to imagine what could happen if [he]1774-he or [she]1775-she was kidnapped and kept hostage ... " [His]0-i entire body tightens , "[0-i] If [any child of mine]1776-any child of mine had to go through what [I]0-i did , [I]0-i swear , [I]0-i ’d kill [anyone]280-anyone and everyone who ’d harm a hair on [their]280-anyone head . " [I]0-i stiffen , sweep [my]0-i gaze over [his]0-i face , "[0-i] Is that what [you]0-i ’re afraid of ? Being vulnerable ? " "[0-i] Not being able to protect [[my]0-i child]2594-my child from [the world]212-the world . That ’s [my]0-i worst nightmare . " "[0-i] [You]0-i protected [me]0-i , did n’t [you]0-i ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i allowed [you]0-i to get kidnapped on [my]0-i watch . " [He]0-i scowls . "[0-i] [You]0-i found [me]0-i did n't [you]0-i ? " [I]0-i half smile . "[0-i] [I]0-i bet [you]0-i watched [me]0-i every hour of the day and night to ensure [I]0-i was safe . " "[0-i] And still , [he]0-i managed to get [his]0-i hands on [you]0-i . " [He]0-i does n’t deny it then . [I]0-i am not sure how that makes [me]0-i feel . Cared for ? Creeped out ? Both ? And turned on ? To be the focus of [someone]236-someone ’s attention to the exclusion of anything else … Is there any other feeling in [the world]212-the world that can equal that absolute single - minded intensity of [his]0-i gaze ? "[0-i] [You]0-i saved [me]0-i . " [I]0-i grab [his]0-i hand and press it to [my]0-i belly , "[0-i] [You]0-i saved [both of [us]1780-both of us]1780-both of us . " [He]0-i squeezes [his]0-i eyes shut , "[0-i] Stop trying to make [me]0-i into [some kind of hero]1781-some kind of hero . [I]0-i ’m [the kind of monster [you]0-i should stay away from]1782-the kind of monster you should stay away from ! " "[0-i] Oh ? " [I]0-i bite the inside of [my]0-i cheek , "[0-i] Who would [you]0-i rather see [me]0-i with , [Saint]47-saint ? " [He]0-i growls . "[47-saint] Who ’s [the man for [me]0-i]1783-the man for me ? Who do [you]0-i think can protect [me]0-i the way [you]0-i can ? Who ’d watch over [me]0-i like [[my]0-i own protective guardian angel]1784-my own protective guardian angel , and ensure [he]1784-my own protective guardian angel was there each and every turn so nothing ever touched [me]0-i ? " [His]0-i nostrils flare . "[47-saint] Tell [me]0-i , [Saint]47-saint . " "[47-saint] [Me]0-i , " [he]0-i growls , "[47-saint] Only [I]0-i can do this . [I]0-i trust [myself]0-i for this job , [no one else]2294-no one else . " [I]0-i chuckle . [He]0-i glowers , "[0-i] Do n’t think [you]0-i ’ve won this argument . " "[0-i] No ? " [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin . [He]0-i shakes [his]0-i head , "[0-i] [We]1786-we ’re just getting started , [Gigi]53-gigi . " [He]0-i grabs up the cotton ball , then helps [me]53-gigi out of [my]53-gigi shirt and dabs antiseptic on the scratch on [my]53-gigi arm . [I]53-gigi hiss and [he]0-i bends [his]0-i head and blows on the wound . Goosebumps rise on [my]53-gigi skin . "[53-gigi] Cold ? " "[0-i] No . " [I]2105-a doctor watch as [he]0-i straightens , then tosses the cotton into the dustbin . [He]0-i rips open a bandage , and sticks it over the wound . "[2105-a doctor] It ’s the best [I]0-i can do , until [I]0-i can get [a doctor]2105-a doctor to come in and check [you]53-gigi out . " "[0-i] [I]0-i ’m fine . " [He]0-i drops the sticky paper from the bandage into the waste basket then straightens , "[0-i] Humor [me]0-i . " "[0-i] But- " "[0-i] If not [me]0-i , for [the baby]1688-the baby . " Right . "[0-i] Fine , " [I]0-i swallow , "[0-i] but do n’t think [you]0-i can always use [the baby]1688-the baby as an excuse . " "[0-i] If it gets [you]0-i to do what [I]0-i want ... " [I]0-i frown , "[0-i] Honestly , [Saint]47-saint , [you]0-i could at least pretend [you]0-i are n’t trying to get [your]0-i own way . " "[0-i] What fun would that be , huh ? " [he]0-i shrugs out of [his]0-i shirt , then drapes it over [my]0-i shoulder . "[0-i] What are [you]0-i doing ? " [I]0-i frown . "[0-i] Wear this . " [I]0-i glance at [my]0-i shirt , which is ripped and dirty . Not that [I]0-i want to wear it again . It reminds [me]0-i too much of what had transpired — that feeling of helplessness , of sitting in the dark and waiting for the worst — No . [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . Never again . [I]0-i do n’t want to be in that position ever again . [Saint]47-saint snatches up [my]0-i soiled shirt . "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ll get rid of it . " [I]0-i peer up at [him]0-i , "[0-i] Thanks . " [I]0-i pull on [his]0-i shirt and [his]0-i scent of dark masculinity instantly cocoons [me]0-i . [My]0-i heart skitters and [my]0-i pussy clenches . Shit , not the time to think about sex . Not . [I]0-i button up the shirt , then fold up the sleeves . [He]0-i drops the shirt into the bath tub , "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ll get housekeeping on it . " [I]0-i nod . Of course , [he]0-i ’d have [servants]3199-servants at [his]0-i beck and call . Where the hell do [I]0-i fit in with all of this ? "[0-i] Hey , " [he]0-i hooks [his]0-i knuckles under [my]0-i chin so [I]0-i have no choice but to meet [his]0-i gaze , "[0-i] everything will be okay , [I]0-i promise . " A slight pain catches at [my]1790-i lower belly . [I]1790-i rub at it . "[1790-i] [You]1790-i okay ? " [he]0-i asks . [I]1790-i nod , then push off the counter , "[1790-i] Let ’s get this over with . "[1790-i]

50

What is [mine]1791-mine but only [you]1792-you can have ? Answer : [My]0-i heart

Saint

[I]0-i stalk into [the living room]2667-the living room , making sure to keep [myself]0-i between [her]1794-her and [the guys]794-the guys . Right now , [I]0-i do n’t trust [any other male around [her]1794-her]1796-any other male around her — definitely , not that bastard [Antonio]87-antonio . Is it the fact that [she]1794-her is pregnant ? Pregnant . [My]0-i heart begins to thud . Shit , what am [I]0-i going to do about that ? How will it feel to have [a child]325-a child … a fragile life dependent on [me]0-i ? Will [I]0-i be able to do justice in [my]0-i role as [[their]1798-their father]239-their father ? Am [I]0-i good enough for this ? Will [I]0-i be able to fulfill [my]0-i responsibilities ? What if [I]0-i ca n’t ? What if [I]0-i fail ? Just as [I]0-i had all that time ago ? When [he]87-antonio ’d asked [me]0-i the riddles . And [I]0-i had n’t known the answers . And [he]87-antonio ’d hurt [me]0-i . [I]0-i had n’t been able to defend [myself]0-i . Will [I]0-i be able to protect [[my]0-i family]246-my family ? [My]0-i palms begin to sweat . The soles of [my]0-i feet burn . [I]0-i stumble and [someone]236-someone grasps [my]0-i elbow . Warm fingers entangle with [mine]0-i . [I]0-i glance down to find [Gigi]53-gigi holding [my]0-i hand . " [You]0-i okay ? "[53-gigi] [she]53-gigi whispers . [I]0-i glance into those green eyes , " Now , [I]0-i am . "[0-i] [Her]53-gigi lips curve in a slight smile . " [I]53-gigi love [you]53-gigi , "[53-gigi] [I]0-i keep [my]0-i voice low enough that the others ca n’t hear [me]0-i . [She]53-gigi blinks , as if surprised , then [her]53-gigi cheeks flush , and [she]53-gigi glances away . A hot sensation stabs [my]0-i chest . Does [she]53-gigi have any feelings for [me]0-i ? Will [she]53-gigi forgive [me]0-i for what [I]0-i did — that [I]0-i had n’t been able to accept the fact that [she]53-gigi was having [[my]0-i child]2594-my child ? [My]0-i flesh and blood . [Mine]0-i . [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i grasp on [her]53-gigi hand , then step forward . [I]0-i urge [her]53-gigi to sink into an armchair and stand next to [her]53-gigi . [Antonio]87-antonio looks up from the settee across [the room]319-the room . [Weston]62-weston is seated in a chair on [his]62-weston left . [Sinclair]45-sinclair leans a hip against the wall , [his]45-sinclair gun trained on [Antonio]87-antonio . " Have [you]87-antonio explained [our]3200-our plan to [him]87-antonio ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . [Weston]62-weston nods . [I]0-i turn to [Antonio]87-antonio . " [You]87-antonio agree then ? "[87-antonio] [He]87-antonio lowers [his]87-antonio chin , " [You]87-antonio mean turn against [[my]87-antonio people]1322-my people , and lead [you]87-antonio to [the person responsible for what happened to the Seven of [you]87-antonio]3202-the person responsible for what happened to the seven of you ? "[87-antonio] [He]87-antonio glances up , " What do [I]87-antonio get in return ? "[87-antonio] " [You]87-antonio get to walk away from this alive . "[87-antonio] " And if [I]0-i do n’t ? "[0-i] [I]0-i lean forward on the balls of [my]0-i feet , " [We]3203-we ’ll hand [you]87-antonio over to [the authorities]3204-the authorities , and trust [me]0-i , [you]87-antonio ’ll never get to be [a free man]3205-a free man again . "[0-i] [He]87-antonio sits up straight , [his]87-antonio massive frame taking up a big portion of the settee , " [I]87-antonio ’m not exactly [a free man]3205-a free man now . "[87-antonio] " [You]87-antonio ’ll have a chance to rescue [Nina]52-nina — "[87-antonio] [His]87-antonio jaw hardens . Ah ! Interesting . This is [his]87-antonio weak spot . Clearly , [the man]207-the man is n’t as smart as [I]0-i ’d given [him]87-antonio credit for . If [he]87-antonio were , [he]87-antonio would never have revealed it to [me]0-i . " [You]87-antonio ’ll have the means to leave [the Mafia]314-the mafia , start a new life with [her]52-nina , if that 's what [you]87-antonio want ... "[87-antonio] The skin around [his]87-antonio lips whitens . [He]87-antonio squeezes [his]87-antonio fingers together , and the skin of [his]87-antonio knuckles stretches white . This is a calculated move , of course . Dangling everything [he]87-antonio wants in front of [his]87-antonio eyes , only to rip it all away . Unless [he]87-antonio cooperates , of course . [I]0-i prod [him]87-antonio , " What do [you]87-antonio say ? "[0-i] [Antonio]87-antonio glances at [Gigi]53-gigi . " Do n’t look at [her]299-this woman , [you]87-antonio asshole , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl , then clamp [my]0-i lips shut . Apparently , [Antonio]87-antonio is n’t the only one unable to control [himself]87-antonio . [This woman]299-this woman has come to mean more than anything in [the world]212-the world to [me]0-i . [He]87-antonio tilts [his]87-antonio head , " [You]0-i love [her]299-this woman ? "[87-antonio] [I]0-i frown , " What ’s that got to do with anything ? "[87-antonio] [He]87-antonio levels an intense stare , daring [me]0-i to answer [him]87-antonio . " Of course , [I]87-antonio do , [you]0-i piece of shit . "[87-antonio] " [You]0-i ’ll take care of [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[87-antonio] [he]87-antonio asks . [I]0-i take a step forward and [Gigi]53-gigi grabs [my]0-i hand . [I]0-i glance down and [she]53-gigi shakes [her]53-gigi head . Shit , [I]0-i ’m letting [him]87-antonio provoke [me]0-i . Again . " Better than [myself]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i reply . " [You]87-antonio ’re aware there ’s nothing remotely romantic between [us]3208-us , right ? "[87-antonio] [he]87-antonio uncurls [his]87-antonio fists . " The hell are [you]87-antonio trying to say ? "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " [Nina]52-nina was [[my]0-i ward]3209-my ward , so to speak . [I]0-i was responsible for [her]52-nina wellbeing . Human relations ... [They]3210-they can be complicated , [you]0-i know ? "[0-i] [He]87-antonio drums [his]87-antonio fingers on [his]87-antonio thigh , " At some point , [my]87-antonio feelings for [her]52-nina got more intense . [I]87-antonio got personally involved . [She]52-nina ’d never forgive [me]87-antonio if something were to happen to [[her]52-nina friend]3211-her friend . "[87-antonio] [I]0-i drag [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair , " So why did [you]87-antonio shoot at [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[0-i] " It was a flesh wound . It got [your]0-i attention , made [you]0-i realize how much [you]0-i need [her]108-victoria in [your]0-i life . "[87-antonio] " [You]87-antonio kidnapped [her]108-victoria , "[0-i] [I]0-i thrust out [my]0-i chest . " And sent [you]0-i to [her]108-victoria , "[1807-he] [he]1807-he tilts [his]1807-he head , “ because [you]0-i still allowed [her]108-victoria to walk away , after almost losing [her]108-victoria once . [He]1807-he ’s right . "[1807-he] And here [you]1807-he are confronting [us]1808-us again , instead of escaping ? " [I]1807-he frown . "[1807-he] Why did n't [you]1807-he ask [Victoria]108-victoria about the bug when [you]1807-he took [her]108-victoria ? " [His]1807-he jaw hardens , all expression wiped off from [his]1807-he face . "[1807-he] Well ? " [I]1807-he lean forward on the balls of [my]1807-he feet , "[1807-he] What 's [your]1807-he play ? " [Antonio]87-antonio glances around [the room]319-the room , then turns [his]1807-he gaze back on [me]1807-he . "[1807-he] There 's no play . " [I]1807-he straighten , "[1807-he] [You]1807-he 're lying . " "[0-i] [I]0-i discovered the bug , after [you]1807-he rescued [her]108-victoria . " [He]1807-he grits [his]1807-he teeth . "[1807-he] [You]1807-he believe [this asshole]1809-this asshole ? " [Weston]62-weston mutters . "[1809-this asshole] Nah , do [you]1807-he ? " [I]1807-he tilt [my]1807-he head . [Antonio]87-antonio 's lips quirk , "[1807-he] The one time in [my]0-i life [I]0-i do something unselfish ... " [He]1807-he shakes [his]1807-he head . "[0-i] What the fuck are [you]1807-he talking about ? " [He]1807-he sighs , "[1807-he] [You]1807-he had [your]1807-he head so far up [your]1807-he ass , [you]1807-he could n’t see how important [she]108-victoria was to [you]1807-he . [I]0-i wanted to push [you]1807-he along , make [you]1807-he come to [your]1807-he senses and own up to [your]1807-he feelings . " [He]1807-he cups [his]1807-he chin in [his]1807-he hand . "[0-i] It 's what [Nina]52-nina would have wanted . " "[0-i] That does n’t explain why [you]0-i came storming into [the hotel]312-the hotel , " [I]0-i retort . [His]1807-he features stay impassive . "[0-i] Well ? " [I]0-i growl . "[0-i] Now is [your]0-i chance to come clean , [[you]0-i bastard]2101-you bastard . " "[0-i] When [I]0-i discovered the bug , [I]0-i got pissed off . By putting [me]0-i at risk , [you]0-i put [Nina]52-nina in danger and that sent [me]0-i off the deep end . " [He]1807-he draws in a breath . "[0-i] [I]0-i was n't thinking clearly ... [I]0-i charged back to challenge [Victoria]108-victoria on it , " [he]1807-he says . "[0-i] By the time [I]0-i came to [my]0-i senses , [I]0-i was already here in [[your]0-i hotel]2088-your hotel ... " [His]1807-he voice tapers off . "[0-i] [I]0-i knew it could be a mistake , but [I]0-i thought [I]0-i might be able to turn the situation to [my]0-i advantage . " "[0-i] [You]0-i wanted to be found out by [us]1813-us ? " [I]0-i scowl before another thought occurs to [me]0-i , "[0-i] [You]0-i hoped [we]1813-us ’d make [you]0-i an offer to work with [us]1813-us ? " "[0-i] That 's what [I]0-i had calculated , " [he]1807-he nods . "[0-i] [You]0-i took a risk . " [I]0-i rub the back of [my]0-i neck . Should [I]0-i believe [him]1807-he ? Is [he]1807-he telling the truth ? "[0-i] [You]0-i willingly put [yourself]0-i in danger . Why ? " "[0-i] It seemed like [my]0-i best shot , " [Antonio]87-antonio says simply . [I]0-i glare at [him]1807-he , "[0-i] That 's not the only reason , is it ? " [He]1807-he hesitates . "[0-i] [I]0-i am calling [the cops]1814-the cops , " [I]0-i threaten . "[0-i] [You]0-i would n't , " [Antonio]87-antonio growls . For the first time , [he]1807-he seems shaken . Good . "[0-i] Try [me]0-i , " [I]0-i drawl . [He]1807-he glances at [Gigi]53-gigi , then back at [me]0-i . Anger crowds [my]0-i mind . "[0-i] That 's it , " [I]0-i snap , reach for [my]0-i phone . "[0-i] Wait , " [he]1807-he mutters . [I]52-nina keep [my]52-nina fingers poised over the keypad . [He]1807-he sits up straight , places the fingertips of [his]1807-he hands together . "[52-nina] [Nina]52-nina , " [he]1807-he says , [his]1807-he voice shorn of all emotion , "[0-i] [I]0-i did it for [her]52-nina . " "[0-i] For [Nina]52-nina ? " [I]0-i frown , "[0-i] Explain . " "[0-i] [I]0-i promised [Nina]52-nina that [[her]52-nina friend]3211-her friend would be taken care of , and [I]0-i thought [you]0-i would do that , but [you]0-i ’re [an idiot]919-an idiot[I]0-i growl . [He]0-i holds up [his]0-i hands in supplication , “[0-i] The point is , [you]52-nina were n’t taking care of [her]52-nina , and [I]0-i needed to make sure that [you]52-nina did . That ’s what triggered the idea of [Victoria]108-victoria 's kidnapping ... " [He]0-i shrugs , "[52-nina] [You]52-nina went through a similar experience , " [he]0-i meets [my]52-nina gaze — [the fucker]3213-the fucker actually looks [me]52-nina in the eye — and says , "[52-nina] and [you]52-nina needed something drastic to — [I]0-i do n’t know — make [you]52-nina realize that [you]52-nina were fucking things up . " [My]52-nina vision tunnels ; the blood pounds in [my]52-nina temples . Only when [my]52-nina fist connects with the side of [his]0-i face do [I]52-nina realize that [I]52-nina have closed the distance between [us]3214-us . [His]0-i head snaps back and blood erupts from [his]0-i mouth . "[52-nina] That 's for putting [Victoria]108-victoria 's life in danger , [[you]52-nina bastard]2101-you bastard . " [He]0-i chuckles , wipes the blood from [his]0-i face and looks around [the room]319-the room , a satisfied gleam in [his]0-i eyes . The fuck ? [I]2101-you bastard raise [my]2101-you bastard fist again . [Weston]62-weston grabs [my]2101-you bastard shoulder . "[2101-you bastard] Let [him]1818-he be . " "[2101-you bastard] No , " [I]2101-you bastard growl . "[2101-you bastard] [You]1819-you heard what [he]1818-he said . [Asshole]2374-asshole 's fucking with [me]0-i . " "[2374-asshole] [He]1818-he 's illustrating how emotions can make [you]1821-you lose [your]1821-you cool to the point that they trip [you]1821-you up , " [Weston]62-weston cautions . "[1818-he] [Weston]62-weston 's right , " [Sinner]73-sinner adds . "[62-weston] [The fuck]521-the fuck [I]0-i care about that ? " [I]521-the fuck snarl . "[521-the fuck] [Fucker]113-fucker 's methods are unconventional , " [Weston]62-weston agrees , "[113-fucker] but damn , if it did n't work , right ? " [Gigi]53-gigi makes a sound somewhere between a cry and a laugh . "[1818-he] [He]1818-he got through to [you]0-i , [Saint]47-saint . [I]0-i was never in any danger , and besides , " [she]53-gigi steps forward , "[1818-he] [he]1818-he did it for [Nina]52-nina . " [I]1818-he straighten , make to swing at [Antonio]87-antonio again , but [Gigi]53-gigi grabs [my]1818-he arm . "[1818-he] Please , [Saint]47-saint , [he]1818-he put [his]1818-he life at risk for [Nina]52-nina , and that has to mean something . " Fuck , if that negates how [he]1818-he 'd threatened [Gigi]53-gigi 's life , but if [she]53-gigi says ... Well , then ... [I]1818-he draw in a breath . "[1818-he] This [Nina]52-nina , " [I]1818-he say , trying to piece things together , "[1818-he] [she]52-nina 's important to [you]1818-he ? " "[52-nina] [I]0-i already told [you]47-saint [she]52-nina is . " [His]1818-he dark gaze grows inscrutable . "[52-nina] It 's why [I]0-i 'll take this deal with [you]47-saint . " "[0-i] So , [you]47-saint ’re agreeing to spy on [the Mafia]21-the mafia and help [us]1823-us track down who was responsible for the kidnapping when [we]1823-us were [kids]462-kids ? " [He]1818-he nods , "[47-saint] It wo n’t be easy , but [I]0-i have some ideas . " "[0-i] Life ’s not easy , " [I]0-i glower . "[0-i] If something goes wrong ... " [he]1818-he glances at [the other two]338-the other two , then at [me]1825-me , "[1825-me] If [they]1825-me discover [I]0-i ’ve turned on [them]1825-me , [I]0-i need [you]47-saint to promise get [Nina]52-nina out . " [Victoria]108-victoria squeezes [my]52-nina hand . "[52-nina] For [[my]0-i wife]851-my wife , " [I]0-i growl , "[0-i] [I]0-i ’ll do it for [her]851-my wife . " [He]1818-he jerks [his]1818-he chin , "[0-i] Guess [we]1827-we have an agreement then . " "[1827-we] What about the USB [you]0-i appropriated ? " "[0-i] [The Mafia]314-the mafia wants it back . " [He]1818-he tucks [his]1818-he elbows into [his]1818-he side . "[314-the mafia] The fuck would [they]314-the mafia want that for ? " [I]314-the mafia rub the back of [my]314-the mafia neck . [He]1818-he raises [his]1818-he shoulders , "[314-the mafia] [My]0-i guess is that the USB is marked in some form that can help [them]314-the mafia trace it back to [its owner]1829-its owner . [They]314-the mafia want it to help track down [the snitch who sent it to [you]0-i]1830-the snitch who sent it to you . " [He]1818-he cracks [his]1818-he neck . "[0-i] [I]0-i ’m only [the messenger]1831-the messenger in this . Suffice to say , it 's [my]0-i ticket to get back in with [them]314-the mafia . " [I]108-victoria scowl . [Antonio]87-antonio continues , "[108-victoria] As for [Victoria]108-victoria ... " [I]0-i growl . [He]87-antonio raises [his]87-antonio hands , "[0-i] [I]0-i let [her]108-victoria go — doesn't mean [the Mafia]314-the mafia wo n’t change [their]314-the mafia mind and come after [her]108-victoria . " "[0-i] [You]0-i focus on [your]0-i mission , " [I]0-i lean forward on the balls of [my]0-i feet , "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll take care of what 's [mine]0-i . " [Victoria]108-victoria tugs on [my]1833-my sleeve . [I]1833-my turn to [her]108-victoria . [Her]108-victoria face is pale . "[1833-my] [You]1833-my okay ? " [She]108-victoria presses a hand to [her]108-victoria belly ; sweat beads [her]108-victoria upper lip , "[108-victoria] [Victoria]108-victoria ! " [My]108-victoria heart begins to thud , "[108-victoria] What 's wrong ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i[I’m]0-i not sure . " [She]108-victoria pitches forward .[0-i]

51

[Saint]47-saint

" It 's [my]0-i fault . "[0-i] [I]0-i drag [my]0-i fingers through [my]0-i hair , " [I]0-i did n't get to [her]108-victoria in time , and now [she]108-victoria 's in there struggling for [her]108-victoria life . "[0-i] [I]0-i dig the heels of [my]0-i boots into the carpet , survey the bland surroundings of [the waiting room in [the hospital]1538-the hospital]1537-the waiting room in the hospital[the same hospital where [Weston]62-weston had been admitted earlier]1836-the same hospital where weston had been admitted earlier . " Now , let 's not jump to conclusions , "[45-sinclair] [Sinclair]45-sinclair squeezes [my]0-i shoulder . " Let 's wait for [the doc]588-the doc 's verdict . ”[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair continues , “ By the way , in case [you]0-i were wondering , [I]45-sinclair cleared things up with [Antonio]87-antonio — "[45-sinclair] [I]45-sinclair was n’t . ”[45-sinclair] “ Nevertheless , [I]0-i removed the bug on the USB and sent [him]45-sinclair on [his]45-sinclair way . ”[0-i] [I]0-i ignore [him]45-sinclair , " What 's taking [them]3218-they so long in [there]220-there ? "[0-i] " Uh , the fact that [you]0-i insisted [Weston]62-weston be present as [they]3218-they examine [her]3220-her ? "[45-sinclair] " [They]3218-they should be used to it by now , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . " Besides , it 's [[Weston]62-weston 's hospital]3221-weston 's hospital , is n't it ? And [he]62-weston was already with [us]3222-us . [They]3218-they can damn well do as [he]62-weston says ... and [me]0-i , for that matter . ”[0-i] " Not that [I]45-sinclair do n’t understand the sentiment , "[45-sinclair] [Sinclair]45-sinclair sprawls in [his]45-sinclair seat , [his]45-sinclair suit none the worse for wear . " But ... even [I]45-sinclair know better than to get in the way of [doctors]3223-doctors and [such fine professionals who are specialists in [their]3218-they field]3224-such fine professionals who are specialists in their field . "[45-sinclair] " Easy for [you]45-sinclair to say . "[0-i] [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i fingers into [my]0-i sides , " If that had been Summer in [there]220-there ... "[0-i] [His]45-sinclair jaw flexes . " Fine , "[45-sinclair] [he]45-sinclair purses is lips , " what 's [your]0-i point ? "[45-sinclair] " [My]0-i point is ... "[0-i] [I]0-i draw a blank . Run [my]0-i finger around the sleeve of [my]0-i shirt . " It's ... shit ... "[0-i] [I]0-i squeeze the bridge of [my]0-i nose . " [I]0-i do n’t know , what it is . "[0-i] What 's wrong with [me]0-i ? [[My]0-i wife]851-my wife had collapsed , and this time [I]0-i had n't acted quickly enough . [I]0-i had watched , rooted to the spot , as [she]851-my wife had slumped forward , collapsed to the floor . [I]0-i 'd rushed to [her]851-my wife , pulled [her]851-my wife into [my]0-i arms , watched as [her]851-my wife body had bucked in [my]0-i arms . [Her]851-my wife eyes had rolled back in [her]851-my wife head , and all color had leached from [her]851-my wife face . [My]0-i hands and feet had gone numb , [I]0-i could barely move , and could n't string two thoughts together . [Me]0-i , [the man who always has an answer to every question]1838-the man who always has an answer to every question . [I]0-i could n't do anything but hold [her]851-my wife in [my]0-i arms ... And pray . Fuck ! [I]0-i 've never been religious , never been to [a church]1839-a church in [my]0-i life . But if there is a power larger than all of [us]1840-us , then [I]0-i had appealed to [it]1841-it for help . [I]0-i had sworn that if [she]851-my wife was okay , [I]0-i 'd contribute a good chunk of [my]0-i assets to [FOK media]25-fok investments — that 's short for Full of Kindness , nope [I]0-i kid [you]1842-you not — [the non - profit that [the Seven of [us]1840-us had founded]1844-the seven of us had founded]1843-the non - profit that the seven of us had founded . [I]0-i 'll use the money to do good ... In [my]0-i own way . [I]0-i 'd held [her]851-my wife hand all the way to [the hospital]1538-the hospital in [the ambulance]3015-the ambulance . [She]851-my wife 'd regained consciousness en route and had cried . [She]851-my wife 'd been out of [her]851-my wife head with panic that [she]851-my wife was losing [the baby]1688-the baby[[our]1840-us baby]1848-our baby , fuck ! [The little being whose presence was only beginning to take shape]1849-the little being whose presence was only beginning to take shape in [my]0-i life ... Had it been snatched away before it had materialized ? [I]0-i had n't wanted [the baby]1688-the baby ... But if anything happens to either of [them]1851-them , [I]0-i 'll never forgive [myself]0-i ... [My]0-i heart begins to race and a hollow sensation roils in the pit of [my]0-i stomach . Bile laces [my]0-i tongue and [I]0-i swallow it back . No , [I]0-i am not going to lose [her]851-my wife or [the child]2179-the child . [I]0-i want both of [them]1851-them . [I]0-i need [them]1851-them in [my]0-i life — to anchor [me]0-i , to love , and to be loved . Is this what it means to love and to be loved ? To rip out [my]0-i guts , expose [myself]0-i to [the world]212-the world , to share [my]0-i deepest weaknesses and invite the possibility that [I]0-i 'll never recover from the sucker punch ? [I]0-i jump up from the chair and begin to pace . One foot in front of the other , do n't lose it . [You]1854-you owe it to [her]851-my wife to keep it together . [You]1854-you need to be strong . But if [I]0-i had been better at taking care of [her]851-my wife , [she]851-my wife would n't have landed [here]260-here in the first place . If [I]0-i had n't taken [her]851-my wife up on the offer in the beginning , it would have never come to this . [I]0-i ball [my]0-i fingers at [my]0-i sides . [I]0-i could n’t have resisted [her]851-my wife . No way , would [I]0-i have turned [her]851-my wife away . The thought of [her]851-my wife with [any other man]1856-any other man ... having [[anyone else]369-anyone else 's child]1858-anyone else 's child ? [I]0-i dig [my]0-i fingernails into the palms of [my]0-i hands with such force that pain shoots up [my]0-i arm . [She]851-my wife is [mine]1859-mine . [This child]1572-this child is [mine]1859-mine . Everything [I]0-i want is in [that room]1658-that room , waiting for [me]0-i to acknowledge it , to accept it . Am [I]0-i too late ? Have [I]0-i missed what was right in front of [me]0-i all along ? [I]0-i want [this child]1572-this child , need [her]1572-this child in [my]0-i life more than anything else in [this world]595-this world . If something were to happen to [her]1572-this child or to [the child]2179-the child , [I]0-i 'd ... [I]0-i drag in a sharp breath . Footsteps sound . [I]0-i swivel around as [Weston]62-weston walks in the door . [He]62-weston pauses inside , leans [his]62-weston shoulder against the door frame . Whiskers darken [his]62-weston cheeks and [his]62-weston eyes are bloodshot . [He]62-weston had n't been in [there]220-there long ... maybe an hour or less . Had [he]62-weston given up hope so quickly ? Was there nothing that could be done ? [His]62-weston gaze meets [mine]0-i ; [he]62-weston shakes [his]62-weston head . " No , "[62-weston] [my]0-i knees buckle . [Sinclair]45-sinclair grips [my]0-i shoulder , " Steady , [ol' chap]2068-ol' chap . "[45-sinclair] [He]45-sinclair turns to [Weston]62-weston , " Stop dicking around , [[you]0-i prick]3227-you prick . What 's the prognosis ? "[45-sinclair] [Weston]62-weston looks [me]0-i up and down , " Now [you]0-i understand how it feels . "[62-weston] " What ... ? "[0-i] [my]0-i voice cracks . [My]0-i vision tunnels as specks of black pull at [my]0-i subconscious mind . [He]62-weston tilts [his]62-weston head , " Do [you]0-i see how it could be if [you]0-i lost [her]3228-her ? "[62-weston] " [You]62-weston ... [[you]62-weston bastard]2101-you bastard . "[0-i] [I]0-i stalk forward , covering the distance between [us]1866-us . " How dare [you]62-weston play with [my]0-i feelings ? "[0-i] [I]0-i roar . " Thought [you]62-weston did n't have any ... "[0-i] " Shut [your]62-weston trap , [motherfucker]2365-motherfucker . Tell [me]0-i how [she]3228-her is . "[0-i] " [You]62-weston sure [you]62-weston want to know ? "[0-i] [I]0-i grab [my]0-i wanker of [a friend]2306-a friend by [his]2306-a friend collar , yank [him]2306-a friend to [his]2306-a friend toes . " [Hey]121-hey jude , "[2306-a friend] [he]2306-a friend winces , " [I]2306-a friend 'm already wounded . "[2306-a friend] " [Your]2306-a friend hand wo n't be the only thing [you]2306-a friend ca n't use , if [you]2306-a friend do n't answer [my]2306-a friend question . "[2306-a friend] " [They]3231-they are fine . "[2306-a friend] [He]2306-a friend breaks into a wide grin , " [Mother]3232-mother and [baby]2249-baby are doing fine . "[2306-a friend] Adrenaline laces [my]0-i blood . A pulse pound at [my]0-i temples . [I]0-i pull back [my]0-i fist and let it fly at [him]2306-a friend .

52

[Victoria]108-victoria

" It may only be given , not taken or bought . It 's what [the sinner]3234-the sinner desires , but [the saint]3235-the saint does not . What is it ? "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint pauses inside the doorway of [the room]319-the room . [I]0-i peer up at [him]47-saint from the bed . [He]47-saint prowls inside , drops into the chair next to [me]0-i , then takes [my]0-i hand , " That was the question [I]47-saint was asked , by [[my]47-saint kidnapper]3236-my kidnapper . "[47-saint] " The one [you]47-saint could n't answer ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint nods , weaves [his]47-saint fingers with [mine]0-i . " [I]47-saint 'd answered each of [his]3236-my kidnapper riddles until then , but this one ... It evaded [me]47-saint . Perhaps it was because [I]47-saint was exhausted by then . Maybe [I]47-saint had given up hope somewhere inside . Each time [he]47-saint took [me]47-saint out of [the room where [I]47-saint was being held with [the other boys]3238-the other boys]3237-the room where i was being held with the other boys , [I]47-saint was sure [I]47-saint would never return . Each time , [he]47-saint would hang [me]47-saint upside down and throw questions at [me]47-saint . Anytime [I]47-saint could n't answer , [I]47-saint was flogged on [my]47-saint feet until [I]47-saint managed to come up with the right answer . That day , [I]47-saint knew [I]47-saint was close to [my]47-saint breaking point . [My]47-saint brain was fogged . [I]47-saint had used up all of [my]47-saint reserves of energy . When [he]47-saint asked [me]47-saint the question , [I]47-saint barely heard it . "[47-saint] [His]1869-his throat moves as [he]1869-his swallows . " What happened then ? "[1869-his] " [He]47-saint whipped [my]1870-i feet . Every time [he]47-saint stopped and asked [me]1870-i if [I]1870-i knew the answer , [I]1870-i could n't form the words . The blood flowed down [my]1870-i legs , along with it [my]1870-i life . The beating went on longer than any time before . Until [I]1870-i could n’t feel [my]1870-i feet anymore . Until the fire from the wounds ran down [my]1870-i legs , down [my]1870-i spine , slammed into the back of [my]1870-i head . Until some of the capillaries in [my]1870-i eyes broke , and blood ran down [my]1870-i cheeks . [Darkness]145-darkness crowded in on [me]1870-i . [I]1870-i thought [I]1870-i was going to die ... [I]1870-i never did guess the answer that day . [He]47-saint left [me]1870-i hanging [there]220-there for hours ... Days ... Who knows ? "[1870-i] [He]1870-i shrugs , " That 's how [the cops]1814-the cops found [me]1870-i when [they]1814-the cops rescued [me]1870-i . [I]1870-i woke up in [a hospital]3241-a hospital , wondering what the answer was . [I]1870-i could n't guess it all this time ... Then the answer came to [me]1870-i as [I]1870-i paced the floor of [the waiting room]3242-the waiting room outside , appealing to whichever higher power might hear [me]1870-i that [you]0-i ’d be okay . "[1870-i] " Oh , "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow and a hot sensation grips [my]0-i chest . " What was the answer ? "[0-i] " Forgiveness , "[1870-i] [he]1870-i peers into [my]0-i face . " That was the solution to the riddle ? "[1870-i] [My]0-i heart begins to race . [He]1870-i nods , " Will [you]0-i forgive [me]1870-i for everything [I]1870-i put [you]0-i through , [Victoria]108-victoria ? "[1870-i] [I]0-i try to pull [my]0-i hand away , but [he]1870-i holds on . " Why ? "[1870-i] [I]0-i purse [my]0-i lips . [He]1870-i frowns . " Why should [I]1870-i forgive [you]1870-i , [Saint]47-saint ? "[1870-i] [I]0-i ask . " [You]1870-i refused to accept [[our]3243-our child]3169-our child . "[0-i] " The one [you]0-i did n't tell [me]1870-i about ? "[1870-i] [he]1870-i retorts . " [I]1870-i all but revealed it to [you]0-i in the form of a puzzle . "[1870-i] " [You]0-i could have come outright and told [me]1870-i , "[1870-i] [he]1870-i scolds . " To [you]1870-i ? [The master riddler]3245-the master riddler ? "[1870-i] [I]0-i throw up [my]0-i hands . " [You]1870-i who can crack almost any puzzle ? "[0-i] [His]1870-i jaw tics . [He]1870-i shuffles [his]1870-i feet . " [You]0-i tested [me]1870-i again and again with [your]0-i games . Yet the one time [I]1870-i asked [you]0-i the one question , the answer to which mattered so much to [me]1870-i , [you]0-i pretended not to know the answer . "[1870-i] [He]1870-i squeezes the bridge of [his]1870-i nose , " [I]1870-i think [I]1870-i knew what [you]0-i were trying tell [me]1870-i . [I]1870-i guessed it , [my]1870-i subconscious alerted [me]1870-i it , but [I]1870-i did n't want to accept it . "[1870-i] [He]1870-i winces . " [I]1870-i made a mistake . "[1870-i] " Wow , "[0-i] [I]0-i blink , " [You]1870-i 're actually acknowledging that [you]1870-i 're not perfect . "[0-i] " Seems today is a day of many firsts . "[1870-i] [He]1870-i rubs [his]1870-i thumb over the pulse on [my]0-i wrist , " Including [my]1870-i telling [you]0-i that [I]1870-i want [you]0-i , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1870-i] [He]1870-i leans over and cups [my]0-i belly . A shiver runs up [my]0-i spine . " And [I]1870-i want [this child]1572-this child more than anything in [the world]212-the world . If anything had happened to the two of [you]0-i , [I]1870-i would n't have been able to live with [myself]1870-i . "[1870-i] [He]1870-i whispers [his]1870-i knuckles across [my]0-i jaw , " Promise [you]0-i 'll never scare [me]1870-i like that again . "[1870-i] " [I]1870-i scared [myself]1870-i . "[1870-i] Tears prick [my]0-i eyes . " Hey , do n't . "[1870-i] [He]1870-i wipes away the moisture that trickles down [my]0-i cheek , " [I]1870-i am here , and [I]1870-i 'm not going anywhere . "[1870-i] " Never ? "[1870-i] " [I]1870-i plan to be by [your]0-i side . Through sickness and through health . Through ups and downs . Even when [the children [we]3249-we have together]3248-the children we have together are grown up and have left [home]213-home , [I]1870-i 'll be there taking care of [you]0-i , protecting [you]0-i , providing for [you]0-i . "[1870-i] " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . A ball of emotions chokes [my]0-i throat . Is [he]1870-i saying what [I]0-i think [he]1870-i is ? [My]0-i heart stutters and a warmth fills [my]0-i chest . " It 's true , "[1870-i] [he]1870-i nods . " [I]1870-i was too afraid to acknowledge what the thought of becoming [a father]2049-a father does to [me]1870-i . "[1870-i] " What is that ? "[1870-i] " It makes [me]1870-i feel as vulnerable , as out of control , as [I]1870-i had been all that time ago when [I]1870-i was kidnapped and held captive . When [I]1870-i had no idea if it was day or night , where [I]1870-i was , whether [I]1870-i would survive to the next hour . [I]1870-i swore then , [I]1870-i 'd never allow [myself]1870-i to lose control . "[1870-i] " And having [a child]325-a child is exactly that . "[0-i] [I]0-i bring [my]0-i other hand up to cup [his]1870-i face , " To cede power . [Children]2511-children bring [their]2511-children own brand of energy , and will create [their]2511-children own futures . [You]0-i 'll never be able to completely control the circumstances around [them]2511-children . "[0-i] " [I]1870-i am going to try [my]1870-i damnedest , ”[1870-i] [he]1870-i growls . " And [I]1870-i am going to call [you]1870-i out when [you]1870-i get too overbearing , "[1870-i] [I]0-i trace [my]0-i thumb over [his]1870-i pouty lower lip . " [I]0-i ca n't change . "[0-i] [He]1870-i glowers , " It 's what [I]1870-i am . "[1870-i] " Wo n't stop [me]0-i from chipping away at [your]1870-i grumpy - pants ego . "[0-i] [I]0-i set [my]0-i jaw . " Wo n't stop [me]0-i from trying to fuck the sass out of [you]1870-i . "[0-i] [He]1870-i smirks , and damn [him]1870-i , but [I]0-i 'm instantly wet . " [You]1870-i can try , "[0-i] [I]0-i pout . " [I]0-i love that [you]1870-i can stand up to [me]0-i . "[0-i] [His]1870-i features soften , " [I]1870-i might even let [you]1870-i get [your]1870-i way . "[1870-i] [I]0-i blink . " Sometimes , "[1870-i] [his]1870-i lips curl . " Well thank [you]1870-i so much , "[0-i] [I]0-i grouse . " If [you]1870-i behave . "[0-i] [I]0-i resist the urge to roll [my]0-i eyes . " There 's one more thing . "[0-i] Of course , there is . [He]1870-i slides [his]1870-i hand into [his]1870-i pocket , pulls out the ring , then slips it onto [my]0-i finger , " Never take it off again . "[1870-i]

53

Two days later

Victoria

[I]0-i glance through the window of [the townhouse]1871-the townhouse on [Primrose Hill]7-primrose hill . [The beautiful back garden]1872-the beautiful back garden rolls down from [the residence]1873-the residence at a gentle slope . There 's [an infinity pool in the middle of [the garden]2045-the garden]1874-an infinity pool in the middle of the garden and beyond that the view of [the city]274-the city stretches out . Heat sears [my]0-i back , a tingle runs up [my]0-i spine , then [Saint]47-saint steps up , boxing [me]0-i in with [his]47-saint arms on either side . " Like it ? "[47-saint] " The view , [you]47-saint mean ? "[47-saint] " Also , the view . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint chuckles , " [You]0-i love [the house]441-the house , admit it . "[47-saint] [I]0-i turn in the circle of [his]47-saint arms , " Cocky much ? "[0-i] " That 's [my]47-saint middle name , [baby]2249-baby , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint smirks . " Will [I]0-i never learn not to feed [your]47-saint massive ego ? "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . [He]47-saint leans in close enough for [his]47-saint hardness to brush against [my]0-i waist , " Not the only thing that 's massive . "[47-saint] [I]0-i laugh , " Not that [I]0-i am complaining , but [I]0-i think [we]3256-we should wait . "[0-i] [His]47-saint face pales , " Shit , are [you]47-saint feeling okay ? No pain or anything ... Should [I]47-saint call [the air ambulance]3257-the air ambulance ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint reaches for [his]47-saint phone , swipes the screen and presses a number . [I]0-i grab [his]47-saint wrist . " [I]0-i 'm fine , really . [I]0-i meant , wait until [we]3256-we return to [the bedroom]2666-the bedroom . "[0-i] " Oh , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint breathes out a sigh of relief , then hangs up . Then [I]0-i frown , " Hold on a minute , did [you]47-saint say , [air ambulance]3259-air ambulance ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint reddens . " [I]47-saint did n't want to be caught unawares again . And no way , can [my]47-saint heart survive another ambulance ride to [the hospital]1538-the hospital , so ... "[47-saint] [He]47-saint cracks [his]47-saint neck , looks past [me]0-i , " Uh , [the infinity pool]3261-the infinity pool is wicked , huh ? "[47-saint] " Do n't change the topic . "[47-saint] " Would [I]47-saint dare ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint glances down at [me]0-i . " Yes , [you]0-i very much would dare . "[47-saint] [I]0-i frown , " What have [you]47-saint done [Saint]47-saint ? "[0-i] " Nothing , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint purses [his]47-saint lips , looking for all [the world]212-the world like [an errant child]1878-an errant child . Why do [I]0-i get the feeling [my]0-i hands are going to be full with not one but [two kids]1879-two kids ? [The man in front of [me]0-i]1880-the man in front of me often acts like [one]2308-one . " Tell [me]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl . " Remember what [you]47-saint said : no secrets . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint blows out a breath , " Why the hell did [I]47-saint promise [you]0-i that , remind [me]47-saint ? "[47-saint] " Because [you]0-i love [me]47-saint ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint squares [his]47-saint shoulders . " Exactly . Which is why [I]47-saint had to do it . "[47-saint] " Do what ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint tilts [his]47-saint head , " Do n't freak out when [you]0-i find out . "[47-saint] " What ? "[0-i] [My]0-i heart begins to thud . " Out with it , [Saint]47-saint . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint rubs the back of [his]47-saint neck , a sure sign that whatever [he]47-saint 's done is going to freak [me]0-i out . " It 's only [an air – ambulance]3262-an air – ambulance , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint mutters . There 's a whomp - whomp sound behind [us]1882-us and a breeze blows in through the open window . [I]0-i turn , and [my]0-i jaw drops , " No . "[0-i] [He]47-saint moves in , places [his]47-saint chin on [my]0-i head , " [I]47-saint had to , [babe]1023-babe . "[47-saint] [I]0-i stare as [an honest - to - goodness helicopter]1883-an honest - to - goodness helicopter rises up beyond [the infinity pool]3261-the infinity pool . [I]0-i spot the sign of a red cross on the side that indicates it 's used for medical purposes . It whirs over [us]1882-us , followed by a slight thump as vibrations roll down the walls . Did it land on [the terrace of [the townhouse]1871-the townhouse]1885-the terrace of the townhouse ? " Oh , [my]0-i God , "[0-i] [I]0-i turn to face [him]47-saint , " [I]0-i ca n't believe [you]47-saint have [a helicopter]3264-a helicopter on stand - by . "[0-i] " Maybe [I]0-i ca n't control everything , but hell if [I]0-i ca n't try to bring down the risk . This way , if there 's an emergency , [we]1882-us can get to [the closest hospital]3265-the closest hospital in under five minutes . "[0-i] " [I]0-i ... [I]0-i ... "[0-i] [I]0-i open and close [my]0-i mouth , " Only [you]47-saint 'd do something so audacious . "[0-i] " [You]0-i 're worth it , [babe]1023-babe . "[0-i] " [You]0-i sound like [a cheesy commercial]3267-a cheesy commercial . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint blinks , then chuckles , " [I]47-saint do , huh ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint lowers [his]47-saint forehead to [mine]0-i , " That 's what [you]0-i do to [me]47-saint , [darling]2102-darling . [You]0-i 've turned [me]47-saint into a blubbering shell of [my]47-saint former self . "[47-saint] " Hey , "[0-i] [I]0-i swipe at [his]47-saint shoulder , " do n't blame [me]0-i for that . It 's been barely twenty - four hours since [you]47-saint accepted [your]47-saint role as [a father - to - be]3269-a father - to - be , and [I]0-i ca n't believe [you]47-saint 've already ... Done all this . "[0-i] " What ? "[0-i] [I]0-i wave [my]0-i hand in the air , " [You]47-saint bought [this townhouse on [Primrose Hill]7-primrose hill]3270-this townhouse on primrose hill — "[0-i] " [I]0-i 've had [my]0-i eye on [it]3270-this townhouse on primrose hill . "[0-i] " [You]47-saint had it furnished enough that [we]3271-we could move in right away . "[0-i] [He]47-saint leans back , " Feel free to change anything [you]47-saint want . "[47-saint] " That 's not the point . "[0-i] " Then what is ? "[0-i] " It 's [you]47-saint . "[0-i] The waterworks threaten again . Shit , is it the hormones ? Or is it the fact that , with [Saint]47-saint there to lean on , [I]0-i finally feel secure enough to let go of all of [my]0-i fears ? In its place , there 's a vulnerability that is new , that threatens to overwhelm [me]0-i . That seduces [me]0-i to simply melt into [him]47-saint and let [him]47-saint make all of the decisions . Hell ! Is this what it means to be [a real submissive]1887-a real submissive ? To have the onus of decision - making taken away from [me]0-i ? And why do [I]0-i like that so much ? " Hey , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint tips [my]0-i chin up , " what is it ? "[47-saint] " [You]0-i 're overwhelming [me]47-saint , [Saint]47-saint . "[47-saint] " Ah , "[47-saint] [his]47-saint lips quirk . [He]47-saint wipes away [my]0-i tears , " And ? "[47-saint] " [I]47-saint like it . "[47-saint] So ? " "[47-saint] [I]0-i 'm not sure if [I]0-i want to . " "[47-saint] But [you]0-i do , " [he]47-saint smirks . "[0-i] [I]0-i do ? " [I]0-i frown . "[0-i] Of course , [[my]0-i lovely Gigi]1888-my lovely gigi . If [you]0-i 'd allow [yourself]0-i to relax into the moment , [you]0-i 'd see that this is exactly what [you]0-i need . " "[0-i] B ... but . " "[0-i] Trust [me]0-i , [babe]1023-babe . " [I]0-i peer up into [his]47-saint eyes . Do [I]0-i dare put [my]0-i faith in this alphahole of [a dominant male]3272-a dominant male , [the father of [[my]0-i unborn child]3274-my unborn child , who 's changed [his]47-saint entire life for [me]0-i overnight]3273-the father of my unborn child , who 's changed his entire life for me overnight ? "[0-i] [I]0-i do , " [I]0-i whisper . "[0-i] Excuse [me]0-i ? " [he]47-saint frowns . "[0-i] [I]0-i do trust [you]1023-babe , more than [myself]0-i . [I]0-i believe in [you]1023-babe so much that it hurts , " [my]0-i voice cracks . [His]47-saint nostrils flare , "[0-i] Do [you]1023-babe have any idea what it does to [me]0-i to hear that from [you]1023-babe ? " [He]47-saint bends in close enough for [our]3275-our breaths to mingle , "[1023-babe] [You]1023-babe 're [mine]1023-babe , [Gigi]53-gigi . " [He]47-saint touches [his]47-saint lips to [mine]0-i . [His]47-saint touch sinks into [my]1023-babe blood , coils in [my]1023-babe belly . "[1023-babe] Promise [me]0-i one more thing ? " [I]1023-babe whisper . "[1023-babe] Anything . " [He]47-saint kisses [me]1023-babe again . "[1023-babe] Promise [you]1023-babe 'll see [a psychologist for the flashbacks and for the ... scars]1890-a psychologist for the flashbacks and for the ... scars ? " "[1023-babe] [You]1023-babe mean for [my]0-i self - harming ? " [his]47-saint voice is wry . [I]0-i peer up into [his]47-saint face . Hope blooms in [my]0-i chest . The fact that [he]47-saint had called it by that term ... That is the first step to recovery . It wo n't be easy , but as long as [we]3276-we are together , [we]3276-we can overcome any challenge . "[0-i] Will [you]0-i ? " [I]0-i prompt [him]47-saint . "[0-i] For [you]1023-babe , " [he]47-saint searches [my]1023-babe face , "[1023-babe] if it makes [you]1023-babe happy . " [My]1023-babe heart does a little lurch , "[1023-babe] It does . " [I]1023-babe smile up at [him]47-saint . "[1023-babe] And [you]0-i make [me]0-i happy , [Gigi]53-gigi . Very happy . " [He]47-saint crashes [his]47-saint lips to [mine]1023-babe . [I]0-i gasp and [he]47-saint swipes [his]47-saint tongue inside of [my]0-i mouth — owning [me]0-i , dominating [me]0-i . [I]0-i shiver , and [his]47-saint grasp tightens . [He]47-saint nibbles on [my]0-i lower lip , and heat suffuses [my]0-i skin . [He]47-saint rains kisses down [my]0-i chin , [my]0-i throat , down to the hollow between [my]0-i breasts , on each nipple . [My]0-i scalp tingles and [my]0-i toes curl . [He]47-saint drops to [his]47-saint knees in front of [me]0-i , places a soft kiss on [my]0-i belly . "[0-i] [Mine]1891-mine , " [he]47-saint growls . A melting sensation pulls at [my]0-i core . [He]47-saint drags [his]47-saint hard fingers down [my]0-i thighs , coaxing them apart . [My]0-i knees weaken ; [he]47-saint grips [my]0-i hips , holding [me]0-i up . Then , through [my]0-i dress , [he]47-saint nuzzles the triangle between [my]0-i legs . "[0-i] Oh . " Goosebumps dot [my]47-saint skin . [He]47-saint inhales deeply and the sound is so erotic , so right , blood rushes to [my]47-saint lower belly . [My]47-saint pussy trembles . [I]47-saint dig [my]47-saint fingers into [his]47-saint hair and tug . A low growl rumbles up [his]47-saint throat . The vibrations sink through the fabric of [my]47-saint outfit and warm [my]47-saint blood . [I]47-saint shiver , "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint . " [He]47-saint presses [his]47-saint face into [my]47-saint pussy and a throbbing flares to life — hot , aching . [My]47-saint bones seem to melt all at once . "[47-saint] Saint , " [I]47-saint plead . [He]47-saint slips [his]47-saint fingers under [my]47-saint dress , traces the backs of [my]47-saint knees . Sensations radiate from [his]47-saint touch . Every part of [me]47-saint that [he]47-saint touches seems to turn into an erotic zone . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint ! ' [I]0-i whine . [I]0-i sense [his]47-saint lips curve against [my]0-i melting core . [He]47-saint slides both of [his]47-saint palms up the backs of [my]0-i thighs , leaving pinpricks of pure lust in their wake . [He]47-saint cups [my]0-i butt cheeks , squeezes gently . [I]0-i draw in a sharp breath , grab the back of [his]47-saint head and urge [him]47-saint closer , closer . [He]47-saint slides those wicked fingers under [my]0-i panties , grazes the crevasse between [my]0-i arse cheeks . [I]0-i shudder . Memories of how [he]47-saint 'd taken [me]0-i there swamp [me]0-i . " Please , "[0-i] [I]0-i gasp out . " [You]47-saint like that , hmm ? "[0-i] [I]0-i nod . [He]47-saint pushes aside the fabric of [my]0-i dress , then buries [his]47-saint face in between [my]0-i legs . The hot , aching tension inside of [me]0-i winds up tighter — begging , needing more , so much more . [I]0-i thrust [my]0-i pelvis forward , but [his]47-saint grip stops [me]0-i . [He]47-saint peers up at [me]0-i from under those thick eyelashes ; [I]0-i take in the sight of [his]47-saint handsome face framed between [my]0-i thighs and moisture pools between [my]0-i legs . " [Saint]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i pant , " do n't stop . "[0-i] " [You]0-i are n't completely recovered from [your]0-i episode , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint replies . " Fuck that . "[47-saint] [I]0-i toss [my]0-i head . [He]47-saint chuckles , " [I]47-saint am proving to be a bad influence on [you]0-i . "[47-saint] " Oh , please , "[0-i] [I]0-i frown , " [I]0-i was swearing long before [I]0-i met [you]47-saint . "[0-i] " Oh ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint tilts [his]47-saint head and [his]47-saint eyes gleam . " And this ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint slips [his]47-saint finger up to brush [my]0-i pussy . A moan spills from [my]0-i lips . " Were [you]47-saint doing this as well ? "[47-saint] " [You]47-saint know [I]47-saint was n't . [You]47-saint are well aware that [you]47-saint 're [my]47-saint first . "[47-saint] " And [your]47-saint only . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint gaze intensifies , " [I]47-saint plan to keep [you]0-i so happy , so satisfied , that [you]0-i 'll never want for anything ... "[47-saint] [My]0-i panties grow damper . Damn it , how can [he]47-saint bring [me]0-i so close to the edge with simply a glance ? " Except for [your]0-i orgasms , of course . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint lips twist in that sneer - smirk that is so very [Saint]47-saint . " Stop that , "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . [He]47-saint chuckles , " What 's life without a few games between [us]3277-us , hmm ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint rubs [his]47-saint nose up [my]0-i pussy lips , and even through the double layers of fabrics , [his]47-saint hot breath sears [my]0-i delicate skin . " Oh , "[0-i] [I]0-i gasp , " please come inside [me]0-i . [I]0-i need [you]47-saint inside of [me]0-i . "[0-i] [He]47-saint pauses , leans back on [his]47-saint haunches , " [I]47-saint do n't want to hurt [you]0-i . "[47-saint] " What happened was a fluke , "[0-i] [I]0-i reassure [him]47-saint . " [I]0-i do n't want it to happen again . If something goes wrong , [I]0-i swear ... "[0-i] " That 's why [you]47-saint have [a helicopter]3264-a helicopter stationed above , ready to rush [me]0-i to [a hospital]3241-a hospital , huh ? "[0-i] [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i chin upwards . [He]47-saint frowns , rolls [his]47-saint shoulders , " Still . "[47-saint] " No , "[0-i] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " No excuses . Please , can [you]47-saint make love to [me]0-i ? "[0-i] [His]47-saint blue eyes turn that dark turquoise [I]0-i am beginning to recognize as the first sign when [he]47-saint is out of control . [He]47-saint firms [his]47-saint jaw , " [You]0-i sure ? "[47-saint] [I]0-i scowl , then release [him]47-saint , to shove [my]0-i fingers under [my]0-i dress and drag down [my]0-i panties . They catch on [his]47-saint hands as [I]0-i tug , and [he]47-saint releases [his]47-saint grip on [me]0-i . [I]0-i angle sideways , then shimmy the fabric down to [my]0-i ankles , straighten and kick if off . " That clear enough for [you]47-saint ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . A low chuckle rolls from [his]47-saint lips . [He]47-saint rises to [his]47-saint feet , scoops [me]0-i up in [his]47-saint arms . Turning , [he]47-saint walks out of [the living room]2667-the living room and up the steps . " [I]47-saint never did give [you]0-i the grand tour , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint rasps . " [I]47-saint 've seen enough to know [the house]441-the house is beautiful . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint takes the steps two at a time . When [we]1893-we reach [the landing]1701-the landing , [he]47-saint turns into [a hallway]1895-a hallway , heads toward the double doors at the end . [He]47-saint carries [me]0-i into [a large room]1896-a large room , with a familiar four poster bed mounted on a platform . To the right , a bank of floor to ceiling windows open out onto [the sprawling slope of [Primrose Hill]7-primrose hill]1897-the sprawling slope of primrose hill . " Wow , "[0-i] [I]0-i take in [the room]319-the room , " [You]47-saint had the bed moved from [the suite]918-the suite ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint shuffles [his]47-saint feet , " It 's where [we]1893-we first made love . [I]47-saint could n't leave it behind , could [I]47-saint ? "[47-saint] OMG ! That is ... hot and romantic and sentimental . [This man]206-this man is a teddy bear inside . " [I]47-saint thought it came with [the hotel room]3282-the hotel room ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint scrutinizes [my]0-i features , " [I]47-saint ordered it the day after [I]47-saint met [you]0-i at [Sterling]45-sinclair 's wedding . "[47-saint] " Oh ? "[0-i] [My]0-i heart stutters , " [You]47-saint were so confident that [you]47-saint were going to have [me]0-i ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i bet , "[47-saint] [his]47-saint lips curl . And that arrogance of [his]47-saint ? Honestly , [I]0-i ca n't make up [my]0-i mind whether to slap [him]47-saint or kiss [him]47-saint . " Guess [I]0-i do n't get a say in whether [we]3283-we 're keeping it ? "[0-i] [I]0-i pout . " Nope . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint heads for the bed , steps up on [the platform]720-the platform , " And not in how [I]47-saint take [you]0-i once [we]1901-we are in [it]3284-it either . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint lowers [me]0-i onto the mattress — slowly , gently , [his]47-saint every move such a contrast to the fierceness of how [we]1901-we 'd fucked before that [I]0-i ca n't stop the moan that escapes [me]0-i . " Shh , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint places [his]47-saint finger on [my]0-i lips , " let [me]47-saint take care of [you]0-i . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint steps back , unties the sash on [my]0-i wraparound dress . It parts in the front . [He]47-saint eases it off of one shoulder , then the other . Pulls [me]0-i up into sitting position , to take it off of [me]0-i completely then unhooks [my]0-i bra and pulls that off . [I]0-i shiver . " [You]47-saint cold ? "[0-i] " No ... It 's how [you]47-saint look at [me]47-saint ... like ... like ... "[47-saint] [He]47-saint steps back , rakes [his]47-saint gaze down [my]0-i chest , to the hollow between [my]0-i legs . " Like ? "[47-saint] [he]47-saint prompts . " Like [you]0-i want to own [me]47-saint . "[47-saint] Color smears [his]47-saint cheeks , " [I]47-saint thought that 's what [I]47-saint wanted too , but [I]47-saint was wrong . "[47-saint] " [I]47-saint do n't understand . "[47-saint] " [I]1902-his want to imprint [myself]1902-his into every part of [you]0-i , sink into [you]0-i , until it 's impossible to tell where [you]0-i begin and where [I]1902-his end . [I]1902-his want [you]0-i to think of [me]1902-his even when [you]0-i 're not aware of it . Turn to [me]1902-his before [you]0-i have a rational thought , coil into [my]1902-his memories as [you]0-i drift off to sleep , dream of [me]1902-his when [you]0-i are awake ... "[1902-his] [He]1902-his frowns , " [I]1902-his want [you]0-i to be [me]1902-his . That makes no sense , does it ? "[1902-his] [My]0-i lips tremble , " [I]0-i think [I]0-i understand . "[0-i] " [You]1902-his do ? "[1902-his] [His]1902-his eyebrows knit . [I]0-i nod , " [You]1902-his want to love [me]0-i like [you]1902-his 've never loved [anyone]280-anyone before ? "[0-i] " More than [I]1902-his love [myself]1902-his . "[1902-his] [He]1902-his brings [his]1902-his lips to [mine]0-i , kisses [me]0-i sweetly — a touch , a nibble , a deep drinking from [my]0-i lips that sets [my]0-i head reeling . The world tilts . [I]0-i look up to find [he]1902-his 's stepped back . [He]1902-his strips off [his]1902-his shirt and [my]0-i throat closes . The light pours in through the open windows , highlighting the dips and hollows between that eight pack . [My]0-i belly quivers and [my]0-i sex clenches . [I]0-i 'll never get enough of [his]1902-his gorgeous body ... or the raging intensity of the feelings [he]1902-his manages to cloak so well with it . [He]1902-his toes off those ancient cowboy boots , shoves down [his]1902-his pants and [his]1902-his boxers , along with [his]1902-his socks . [He]1902-his straightens and [his]1902-his dick springs out — thick , heavy , the head swollen and weeping with need . [I]0-i hold out [my]0-i arms . [He]1902-his sinks down to join [me]0-i . [I]0-i wrap [my]0-i legs around [his]1902-his waist , loving the feel of [his]1902-his hard planes biting into [my]0-i flesh , [his]1902-his thick thighs a heavy comfort between [mine]0-i . [I]0-i trace the planes of [his]1902-his back and [his]1902-his muscles coil — so vital , so real , and all mine . [His]1902-his shoulders blot out the world and [his]1902-his face fills [my]0-i line of sight . [He]1902-his lowers [his]1902-his head so [our]1903-our noses bump . A giggle tumbles from [my]0-i lips . " [You]1902-his 're gorgeous , [Gigi]53-gigi . "[1902-his] Heat sears [my]0-i cheeks . [His]1902-his lips kick up . Then [he]1902-his bends [his]1902-his head and captures [my]0-i lips with [his]1902-his . [His]1902-his touch sinks all the way to [my]0-i bones ; heat tugs low in [my]0-i belly and [my]0-i pussy clenches . [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin , meeting [his]1902-his tongue with [mine]0-i . A groan rips from [him]1902-his . [He]1902-his drags [his]1902-his palm down [my]0-i side , settles it on [my]0-i hip in a gesture that 's possessive and intimate . [His]1902-his cock nudges [my]0-i opening . [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i hips up . " Please , "[0-i] [I]0-i mumble in [my]0-i throat . [He]1902-his slides [his]1902-his dick into [my]0-i melting pussy . So good , so full , so heavy , and so right . A groan rips from [him]1902-his , or was that [me]0-i ? [He]1902-his stills as [I]0-i adjust to [his]1902-his size . [I]0-i dig [my]0-i heels into [his]1902-his back , wrap [my]0-i arms around [his]1902-his breadth , and urge [him]1902-his on . [He]1902-his slides in further , [his]1902-his shoulders bunching , the muscles in [his]1902-his back flexing with tension . [He]1902-his 's holding back , not allowing [himself]1902-his to give in completely . A smile curves [my]0-i lips . [I]0-i drag [my]0-i fingers down the length of [his]1902-his spine , tracing each contour , each dip and crevasse . [He]1902-his shivers . Oh , this is different . A rush of power engulfs [me]0-i . [I]0-i reach [his]1902-his taut butt , dig [my]0-i fingertips into the tight flesh . [His]1902-his entire body shudders . " [I]1902-his do n't want to hurt [you]0-i , "[1902-his] [he]1902-his whispers against [my]0-i lips . " [You]0-i 're hurting [me]1902-his now . "[1902-his] [He]1902-his pulls back , " What ? "[1902-his] [I]0-i smirk , " Unless [you]1902-his complete what [you]1902-his set out to do . "[0-i] [His]1902-his lips twist . [He]1902-his eases [himself]1902-his inside of [me]0-i — gently , slowly , [his]1902-his weight stretching [my]0-i super - sensitive channel . Every ridge of [his]1902-his shaft slides , chafes against [my]0-i flesh , sending pulsing , coiling , roiling sensations up [my]0-i back , toward [my]0-i extremities . The climax builds almost instantly , swelling from the point where [we]1904-we are joined . [He]1902-his tilts [his]1902-his hips and [his]1902-his cock dips inside further , until [he]1902-his bottoms out . " [You]0-i 're [my]1902-his other half , [Gigi]53-gigi , "[1902-his] [he]1902-his whispers . " [You]0-i 're the better half of [my]1902-his conscience , the edge to [my]1902-his sense of humor , the lightbulb in [my]1902-his creativity , [you]0-i 're [my]1902-his heart , "[1902-his] [he]1902-his whispers . [I]0-i swallow down the lump in [my]0-i throat . Hell , [I]0-i 'd been wrong . [He]1902-his could simply tell [me]0-i what was on [his]1902-his mind and [I]0-i 'd come with the intensity of [his]1902-his true self . " [Saint]47-saint ? "[0-i] [I]0-i clear [my]0-i throat . " Hmm ? "[0-i] " [I]1902-his love [you]47-saint too , but ... Would [you]47-saint please just shut up and fuck [me]1902-his now . "[1902-his] [He]1902-his chuckles , then rocks [his]1902-his pelvis again and again , each thrust sending waves of pleasure shooting out from the contact . The orgasm whips up [my]0-i spine . [I]0-i strain up and into [him]1902-his , plastering [my]0-i breasts against [him]1902-his . [He]1902-his holds [my]0-i gaze with [his]1902-his , scrutinizes [my]0-i every response , searches [my]0-i features with an intensity that pierces [my]0-i heart . [My]0-i pussy clamps down on [his]1902-his dick and [his]1902-his cock pulses . The climax swells and pauses , waits . [I]0-i open [my]0-i mouth and the cry sticks in [my]0-i throat . [I]0-i swallow , moan , plead with [him]1902-his silently . [His]1902-his gaze intensifies ; those blue eyes sparkle , glow with that cold heat that calls to [me]0-i , beckons to [me]0-i . " Come , "[1902-his] [he]1902-his whispers . [I]0-i splinter into little pieces . [He]1902-his closes [his]1902-his mouth over [mine]0-i — soft , searching — drawing another moan from somewhere deep inside of [me]0-i that [he]1902-his swallows . Another low groan from [him]1902-his , [his]1902-his shoulders shudder , and [he]1902-his comes , filling all of the empty places inside of [me]0-i . [His]1902-his muscles bunch , then [he]1902-his flips [me]0-i over and onto [him]1902-his , without pulling out . [I]0-i coil into [his]1902-his broad chest , wrapping [my]0-i fingers around [his]1902-his biceps , or trying to — considering their width . [He]1902-his draws [his]1902-his warm palm across [my]0-i back , from nape to arse and back again . There 's a whisper against [my]0-i hair . [I]0-i turn [my]0-i head , place [my]0-i chin on [his]1902-his chest , " [You]1902-his 're [a hidden romantic]3286-a hidden romantic , [Saint Jordan Killian Caldwell]47-saint . "[0-i] " [I]1902-his actually did miss one , "[1902-his] [he]1902-his drawls . " What ? "[1902-his] " When [we]3287-we first met , [you]1902-his asked if [I]1902-his ’d missed a name . "[1902-his] [He]1902-his flexes [his]1902-his shoulders , " Turns out , [I]1902-his did . "[1902-his] " What is it ? "[0-i] [I]0-i rest [my]0-i chin on [his]1902-his chest . " No , let [me]1902-his guess . "[1902-his] [He]1902-his raises [his]1902-his eyebrow , " Do [I]1902-his want to know ? "[1902-his] [I]0-i snicker , " Is it , insensitive wart ? "[1902-his] [He]1902-his smirks . " Giant squid ? "[1902-his] [He]1902-his chuckles , " [It]3288-it is giant , though [I]1902-his 'd rather liken it to an octopus than a squid . "[1902-his] [I]0-i choke , " [You]1902-his 're [a mugglepuff]3289-a mugglepuff , [you]1902-his know that ? "[0-i] [He]1902-his blinks , " [I]1902-his have no idea what [you]0-i 're talking about . "[1902-his] " [You]1902-his do n't ? "[0-i] [I]0-i sit up . " Nope . "[0-i] [I]0-i gape , " [You]1902-his 've never read [Harry Potter]146-harry ? "[0-i] What does that have to do with anything ? " [he]1902-his glowers . "[1902-his] [You]1902-his hate [The Beatles]71-the beatles ... " [I]1902-his count off on [my]1902-his fingers , "[1902-his] [You]1902-his 've never read a Harry Potter novel , " [I]1902-his shake [my]1902-his head . "[1902-his] Next [you]1902-his 'll tell [me]0-i [you]1902-his 've never seen , When [Harry]146-harry met [Sally]147-sally . " [He]1902-his reddens . [I]147-sally throw up [my]147-sally hands , "[147-sally] What the hell am [I]0-i doing with [you]1902-his ? " "[0-i] Does it help that the missing name is [Harry]146-harry ? " [he]1902-his drawls . [I]1902-his pout , "[1902-his] [You]1902-his 're kidding [me]0-i . " "[1902-his] Believe it , " [he]1902-his raises [his]1902-his shoulders , "[1902-his] or not . " [I]1902-his peer into [his]1902-his face , "[1902-his] That 's such a typical Saint - Douchebag - Caldwell retort . " "[1902-his] And it turns [you]0-i on , " [his]1902-his lips curl . "[1902-his] Now hold on a second — " [His]1902-his phone buzzes . [I]1902-his freeze . [His]1902-his jaw tics . It buzzes again . "[1902-his] Let it go , " [I]0-i whisper . [He]1902-his searches [my]0-i features and swallows , "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n't . " [He]1902-his sets [me]47-saint aside on the bed , then straightens . [He]1902-his reaches for the phone from [his]1902-his pants pocket , checks the message and silences it , then proceeds to get dressed . [I]47-saint watch the play of muscles on [his]1902-his back , the coil of power in [his]1902-his thighs as [he]1902-his stalks to the door . A hollow sensation smolders in the pit of [my]47-saint stomach . [He]1902-his dare walk out on [me]47-saint again ? [I]47-saint stiffen , curl [my]47-saint fingers into fists . This time [I]47-saint wo n't let [him]1902-his leave . This time [I]47-saint am going to fight for what 's [mine]47-saint . "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint , " [I]47-saint yell after [him]1902-his . "[47-saint] Where the hell are [you]47-saint going ? [He]47-saint pauses , turns around . " Are n't [you]0-i coming with [me]47-saint ? "[47-saint]

54

What did [the bee]1905-the bee say to the flower ? Answer : Hello , [Honey]148-honey !

[Victoria]108-victoria

An hour later , [I]0-i watch as [Saint]47-saint eases [[his]47-saint Jeep]1906-his jeep into [the deserted parking lot]1907-the deserted parking lot . [I]0-i 'd dressed quickly and followed [him]47-saint out earlier . [He]47-saint 'd led [me]0-i to [the garage in [the basement]1909-the basement]1908-the garage in the basement , which had been a surprise , considering [I]0-i 'd never seen [him]47-saint drive anything but [the Jaguar]37-the jaguar . [I]0-i 'd been shocked to find that , in addition , [he]47-saint has [a Jeep]1910-a jeep , [a Harley]1911-a harley — of course [he]47-saint has [a Harley]1911-a harley . [What billionaire]1913-what billionaire does n’t huh ? More surprising , had been [the SUV]1914-the suv[a Mercedes SUV]1915-a mercedes suv . [I]0-i 'd paused in front of [it]1914-the suv and [he]47-saint 'd simply tilted [his]47-saint head in that manner which is meant to convey , Of course , [I]0-i have [a car which can be fitted with a baby seat]1916-a car which can be fitted with a baby seat . [I]0-i 'd stared at [it]1916-a car which can be fitted with a baby seat and [he]47-saint 'd said , if [I]0-i did n't like it , [he]47-saint could get [me]0-i another . [I]0-i 'd simply shaken [my]0-i head , too bemused to say anything . [I]0-i 'd followed [him]47-saint into [[his]47-saint Jeep]1906-his jeep , stared around at the simple interior . With [his]47-saint jeans , black sweatshirt and beat up cowboy boots , [this vehicle]1918-this vehicle feels more like [him]47-saint than anything else . Is [the obnoxious billionaire]1919-the obnoxious billionaire persona an act then ? [I]0-i frown . Will [[my]0-i alphahole]1920-my alphahole ever stop surprising [me]0-i ? " [You]0-i okay ? "[47-saint] [his]47-saint voice slithers down [my]0-i spine , coils in [my]0-i gut . Now that smoky , sensuous burr of [his]47-saint tone ... [I]0-i 'll never get used to that . " [I]47-saint 'm good . "[47-saint] " So why are [you]47-saint biting [your]47-saint nails ? "[47-saint] Oh . [I]0-i pull [my]0-i hand back , then shove it under [my]0-i thigh , for good measure . " Something on [your]47-saint mind , [babe]1023-babe ? "[0-i] Hell , why does [he]47-saint have to be so intuitive when it came to [me]0-i , huh ? [I]0-i flip [my]0-i hair back , then mutter , " [You]47-saint taking [me]0-i to meet [that woman]2622-that woman ? "[0-i] [He]47-saint nods . ' Is [she]1921-she like , [[your]0-i ex]1922-your ex ? ' is what [I]0-i want to ask , but [he]47-saint 'd denied anything between [them]1923-them , and damn [him]47-saint , but [I]0-i want to believe [him]47-saint . Besides , [I]0-i am not going to turn into a nagging shrew , not when [he]47-saint 's taking [me]0-i to meet [her]1921-she . [I]0-i 'll find out soon enough , what this is all about , huh ? [His]47-saint gaze stays focused on [the road]439-the road . [I]0-i glance sideways at [him]47-saint , and [my]0-i stomach does that little flip - flop at the sight of [his]47-saint patrician nose , that mean upper lip , the pouty lower lip — moisture beads [my]0-i core . Shit , [I]0-i am pregnant and [he]47-saint 'd made love to [me]0-i — in the sweetest way possible — just before [we]1925-we left [the house]441-the house , so why am [I]0-i already turned on by taking in the profile of [his]47-saint face ? [I]0-i turn to stare ahead as [he]47-saint veers off of [the main road]272-the main road . [The narrow road [he]47-saint 's turned onto]1928-the narrow road he 's turned onto winds its way through a heavily - shaded strip of trees . [He]47-saint takes another turn , then pulls into [a driveaway]1929-a driveaway . [He]47-saint switches off the ignition and silence descends . [I]0-i peer through the windshield at [the field in front of [us]1925-we]1930-the field in front of us , " Are [we]1925-we still in [London]2-london ? "[0-i] " [We]1925-we 're in [Zone 4 of [the city]274-the city]3292-zone 4 of the city , so on the outskirts . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint reaches to the dash , pockets a small paper bag , then opens [his]47-saint door . [I]0-i open [my]0-i door and step out . [He]47-saint comes around [the vehicle]261-the vehicle , holds out [his]47-saint hand . [I]0-i take it . [He]47-saint weaves [his]47-saint fingers with [mine]0-i , " Ready ? "[47-saint] No , [I]0-i 'm not . [I]0-i take in a breath and nod . [He]47-saint leads [me]0-i toward [the small two - floor cottage]1932-the small two - floor cottage . [I]0-i sniff the air , assailed by the scent of dried hay and huh , is that the manure [I]0-i smell ? The pounding of hooves splits the air . [I]0-i glance up as a horse gallops over from the edge of [the field]1933-the field to the wooden stile . [His]47-saint dark black coat glints in the sunlight . [He]47-saint tosses [his]47-saint head , snorts . [Saint]47-saint , lowers the zipper of [his]47-saint sweatshirt , then pulls out the packet and empties out a couple of sugar lumps . " Is that for the horse ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint smiles , walks toward the fence , " [Devil]149-devil here , is a pure - bred Arabian . [I]47-saint could n't pass up the opportunity to sneak [him]1934-the horse a treat , could [I]47-saint ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint holds out [his]47-saint palm and the horse moseys over and licks up the cubes . [Devil]149-devil snorts again . [Saint]47-saint reaches up to run [his]47-saint fingers over [his]47-saint long nose . The horse , whines , stamps [his]47-saint feet . [The horse]1934-the horse lowers [his]1934-the horse head and [Saint]47-saint scratches [him]1934-the horse behind [his]47-saint ears until a rumbling sound emerges from [him]1934-the horse . What the — ? [I]0-i blink . " [He]1934-the horse sometimes behaves more like a dog than a horse , "[0-i] a voice explains . [I]0-i whip around to see [a woman]297-a woman walking toward [us]1936-us . [She]297-a woman 's the one [Saint]47-saint met the other day . Tiny , exquisitely curved , [her]297-a woman legs are enclosed in boots and slim jeans . [Her]297-a woman plaid shirt is tucked into [her]297-a woman hourglass waist . [Her]297-a woman hair flows around [her]297-a woman shoulders . Behind [her]297-a woman , the door to [the house]441-the house stands open . Guess [I]0-i 'd missed that , entranced by the ease with which [Saint]47-saint had petted the horse . [She]297-a woman walks up and holds out [her]297-a woman hand , " [I]297-a woman 'm [Tink]150-tink . "[297-a woman] " [Tink]150-tink ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . [She]297-a woman sighs , " Yeah , [I]297-a woman was named [Tinkerbell]151-tinkerbell . [I]297-a woman do prefer [Tink]150-tink , though . "[297-a woman] " Do n't blame [you]297-a woman , "[0-i] [I]0-i mutter . " [I]0-i 'm [Victoria]108-victoria . "[0-i] [I]0-i take [her]297-a woman hand . " [Your]0-i name suits [you]0-i . "[0-i] [She]297-a woman looks [me]0-i up and down , " [You]0-i do bear a resemblance to [Posh]152-posh — "[297-a woman] " Do n’t say it , please . [I]0-i do n't know [her]152-posh , have never met [her]152-posh . [She]152-posh is no relation to [me]0-i ... "[0-i] " — [Spice]153-spice , "[297-a woman] [she]297-a woman completes [her]297-a woman statement . " Sorry , bet [you]0-i 've heard that a million times and hate it as much as [I]297-a woman do [my]297-a woman name . "[297-a woman] " Hate to say it , but [yours]297-a woman suits [you]297-a woman , too , "[0-i] [I]0-i bite [my]0-i lips . " Well , guess [we]3294-we are kindred , huh ? "[0-i] [She]297-a woman drops [my]0-i hand , turns to [Saint]47-saint . " [You]47-saint made it , "[297-a woman] [she]297-a woman jerks [her]297-a woman chin . " It sounded urgent . "[297-a woman] " Sorry , but [I]297-a woman think [you]47-saint need to see this one , "[297-a woman] [she]297-a woman replies . [Saint]47-saint pulls away from the horse , dusts [his]47-saint palms on [his]47-saint jeans , then reaches for [mine]0-i , " Shall [we]3295-we ? "[47-saint] [Tink]150-tink leads the way inside , past [a small living room]1938-a small living room , to [another room that 's furnished like [an office]1940-an office]1939-another room that 's furnished like an office . A bank of computer screens fills most of one wall . There are more screens sitting on the desk , each showing different images , two of them have maps with dots blinking on them . [Whoa]154-whoa , [someone]236-someone loves [their]1942-their technology . [She]297-a woman slips into the chair , pulls up surveillance footage . The screen shows [a group of girls in [a room]652-a room which looks like [a dormitory]1945-a dormitory]1943-a group of girls in a room which looks like a dormitory . [Some of [them]1943-a group of girls in a room which looks like a dormitory]1946-some of them are lying down , [some]418-some sitting . [One of [them]1943-a group of girls in a room which looks like a dormitory]201-one of them paces back and forth . [She]201-one of them pauses , glances round [the room]319-the room , looks straight at the camera . [Her]201-one of them desperate eyes seem to fill the screen , as [she]201-one of them begins to weep . [The other women in [the room]319-the room]1950-the other women in the room sit up . [One of [them]1950-the other women in the room]201-one of them gets out of [her]201-one of them bed to approach [her]201-one of them ... One of [the others]754-the others gestures to [her]201-one of them . [She]201-one of them hesitates , then falls back . [Tink]150-tink shuts it off . " Sorry , "[201-one of them] [she]201-one of them apologies , " it 's hard to watch . "[201-one of them] [Saint]47-saint wraps [his]47-saint arm around [me]0-i and pulls [me]0-i into [his]47-saint side . [I]0-i rub [my]0-i cheek against [his]47-saint sleeve . [He]47-saint kisses the top of [my]0-i head , " Should n't have allowed [you]0-i to see that ... But [I]47-saint wanted [you]0-i to meet [Tink]150-tink and find out about the work [we]3296-we do together . "[47-saint] [I]0-i look up at [him]47-saint , " So , [you]47-saint and [she]3297-she ... "[47-saint] " [She]3297-she runs an initiative that helps rescue [those kidnapped]3298-those kidnapped or [those who go missing]3299-those who go missing . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint lips stiffen . " [No one]2059-no one should go through what [I]47-saint went through ; nor the kind of mental trauma ... "[47-saint] [he]47-saint peruses [my]0-i features , " inflicted on [Nina]52-nina , and then on [you]0-i . "[47-saint] What [I]0-i 'd been through could n’t begin to compare with [his]47-saint experience ; but [we]1954-we 'd both survived the challenges thrown at [us]1954-we . Is that why [we]1954-we ’re attracted to [each other]2117-each other , because [we]1954-we are [survivors]1956-survivors ? No , it ’s more than that . [We]1954-we could have met anywhere , in other circumstances , and yet , the connection between [us]1954-we would have been there . " This is why [you]47-saint respond so quickly every time [she]52-nina calls ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint nods , " It normally means [she]52-nina 's tracked down the whereabouts of [a victim]3301-a victim or [victims]3302-victims , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint nods toward the screen " and needs [my]47-saint help . "[47-saint] " [Saint]47-saint finances the efforts . "[150-tink] [Tink]150-tink glances between [us]1954-we , " [I]150-tink 'm sorry if [I]150-tink 've called [him]47-saint at inopportune times . Sometimes [I]150-tink ’ve needed backup , and since the operations are kept secret , [I]150-tink ca n’t risk calling in [anyone else]369-anyone else . "[150-tink] [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i grip around [Saint]47-saint 's waist . " So this is what [you]47-saint were doing ? "[0-i] [My]0-i cheeks heat . " [You]47-saint did n't think ... "[0-i] [Tink]150-tink glances up at [Saint]47-saint , then makes a face . " Ugh , [I]150-tink would n't date [him]47-saint . [He]47-saint 's waay too up [his]47-saint own arse . ”[150-tink] [She]1957-she laughs , “ Besides , [he]47-saint 's more like [a brother to [me]1957-she]3304-a brother to me . "[1957-she] [Saint]47-saint tugs on [her]1957-she hair , in a decidedly sibling - like gesture . " When did [you]47-saint two decide to start this ? "[0-i] [I]0-i ask . [Saint]47-saint shuffles [his]47-saint feet , " [I]47-saint 've already told [you]0-i that [I]47-saint took [[my]47-saint mother]856-my mother 's death hard . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint rubs the back of [his]47-saint neck , " Let 's just say , [I]47-saint was out of control for a while . "[47-saint] " That 's putting things mildly , "[150-tink] [Tink]150-tink snorts . " [He]47-saint opened fire in [[his]47-saint house]3306-his house when [[his]47-saint father]1360-his father was away . "[150-tink] " O - k - a - y. "[0-i] [I]0-i peer up at [Saint]47-saint , " Did [you]47-saint hurt [anyone]280-anyone ? "[0-i] [He]47-saint shakes [his]47-saint head , " But [I]47-saint destroyed [the place]569-the place . [[My]47-saint father]498-my father packed [me]47-saint off to go work with [[his]498-my father friend]3027-his friend . "[47-saint] " That 's [[my]150-tink father]498-my father , "[150-tink] [Tink]150-tink clarifies . " [He]498-my father was [an urban Cowboy]3313-an urban cowboy , [you]0-i could say . "[150-tink] [Saint]47-saint rolls [his]47-saint shoulders , " [He]498-my father and [[his]498-my father friends]925-his friends ran [the adjacent farms]3315-the adjacent farms . [They]498-my father trained and sold horses , and ran [a riding school specializing in equine therapy]3316-a riding school specializing in equine therapy . "[47-saint] " In [the middle of [London]2-london]3317-the middle of london ? "[150-tink] " Zone 4 ; it 's on the outskirts , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint reminds [me]0-i . " But yeah , [they]3318-they are technically in [London]2-london . "[47-saint] " Wow , "[0-i] [I]0-i glance around [the space]532-the space , " [This place]2067-this place is something ... "[150-tink] [Tink]150-tink nods , " After [[my]150-tink father]498-my father died , [Saint]47-saint became [[my]150-tink defacto guardian]3321-my defacto guardian . "[150-tink] " The stint with [Tink]150-tink and [[her]3322-her father]2397-her father saved [me]0-i . [[Her]3322-her father]2397-her father was more [a parent to [me]0-i]3325-a parent to me than [my]0-i own . If it were not for [[Tink]150-tink 's dad]3326-tink 's dad ... [I]0-i would have ended up shooting [myself]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i glance down at the faded Cowboy boots . " Those are — "[0-i] " [[My]150-tink father]498-my father 's , "[150-tink] [Tink]150-tink completes the sentence . " [I]47-saint borrowed them from [him]498-my father , "[47-saint] [Saint]47-saint says , " when [I]47-saint lived here on [the ranch]3328-the ranch . It 's where [I]47-saint was reborn a second time , in a way . Since then — "[47-saint] " [You]47-saint wear them because [they]3329-they help [you]47-saint remember to stay sane ? "[47-saint] [He]47-saint nods . Tears prick [my]0-i eyes . [I]0-i turn [my]0-i face into [Saint]47-saint 's arm . " [I]0-i 'm sorry that [I]0-i doubted [you]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . [Saint]47-saint wraps [his]47-saint arm even closer around [me]0-i , " [You]0-i could n't have known , and [I]47-saint should have told [you]0-i about this earlier . "[47-saint] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " It would have been too dangerous . "[0-i] [Tink]150-tink smiles , " [She]3330-she 's [a keeper]3331-a keeper , [Killian]47-saint . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint drums [his]47-saint fingers on [his]47-saint chest , " [I]47-saint have good taste , huh ? "[47-saint] [I]0-i swipe at [his]47-saint shoulder , " So that 's why [you]47-saint had the riding crop on [your]47-saint desk ? "[0-i] " Want [me]47-saint to use it again on [you]0-i ? "[47-saint] [he]47-saint smirks . " Ugh , "[47-saint] [Tink]150-tink grimaces , " TMI , [[you]0-i guys]2381-you guys . "[150-tink] " Sorry , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint snickers , " could n't resist . "[47-saint] [His]47-saint phone pings . [He]47-saint slides it out of [his]47-saint pocket and [his]47-saint lips curl . " What are [you]47-saint up to ? "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . " [Weston]62-weston 's on [his]62-weston way to [the cabin in [the countryside]1479-the countryside]3333-the cabin in the countryside to get some alone time over Christmas . "[47-saint] [He]47-saint pockets [his]47-saint phone . There ’s silence for a minute . " Holdonasecond . "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl , " Is n't [Amelie]62-weston headed [there]220-there as well ? "[0-i] " Is [she]3336-she ? "[47-saint] [His]47-saint lips twitch . " [Saint Jordan Killian Harry Caldwell]47-saint , "[0-i] [I]0-i grumble . " Uh - oh , "[47-saint] [he]47-saint drawls , " am [I]47-saint in trouble ? "[47-saint] [You]0-i set this up ? " "[0-i] [Me]0-i ? " [His]47-saint gaze widens . [I]0-i stare , "[0-i] [You]0-i gave [them]1959-them each a key to [the cabin]1481-the cabin and sent [them]1959-them [there]220-there ? " "[0-i] Oops . " [He]47-saint smirks . TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT READ [WESTON AND AMELIE]62-weston 'S STORY IN [THE BILLIONAIRE]3337-the billionaire 'S CHRISTMAS BRIDE HERE "[0-i] ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN ! " READ THE AMAZON TOP 100 BESTSELLER [THE BILLIONAIRE]3337-the billionaire 'S FAKE WIFE – [SINCLAIR]45-sinclair AND SUMMER 'S STORY HERE READ [JACE]68-jace AND [SIENNA]67-sienna 'S STORY HERE READ KARMA AND [MICHAEL BYRON]91-byron 'S STORY HERE READ AN EXCERPT FROM [WESTON]38-weston AND AMELIE 'S STORY ...[0-i]

[I]0-i stalk toward the door at the far end , take a breath . The sounds of water splashing , then a male voice breaks into a rendition of Nothing Else Matters by [Metallica]155-metallica . Huh ? The singing ’s not bad , actually . [[My]0-i thief]1962-my thief , apparently , has a thing for classic rock , and can carry a tune . [I]0-i hum the lyrics in sync with [him]1962-my thief … The hell ? [I]0-i pause , draw in another breath . Now or never . Do it , [Amelie]62-weston . Go for it . Whoever it is , [he]1962-my thief has no right to be here . Shit , should [I]0-i have called [the cops]1814-the cops ? The singing stops abruptly . What the — ? Did [I]0-i give [myself]0-i away ? [I]0-i half angle [my]0-i body ; the door flies open . Offense is the best form of defense , and all that . [I]0-i pivot around , raise [my]0-i weapon , and find [I]0-i am confronted with a wall of muscle . Naked chest , water running in rivulets down those sculpted abs that narrow into a concave belly which points to [his]1962-my thief thick , long — " [My]1962-my thief face is up here , "[1962-my thief] [he]1962-my thief drawls . Heat flushes [my]0-i cheeks ; [I]0-i jerk [my]0-i gaze up . Grey eyes clash with [mine]0-i — stormy clouds that boil in a sky which hints at oncoming snow . Sleet . Hail . An uncompromising will to get [his]1962-my thief way no matter what . A shiver runs down [my]0-i spine and moisture pools between [my]0-i legs . The skin between [his]1962-my thief eyebrows crinkles and [his]1962-my thief nostrils flare . No way . [He]1962-my thief ca n’t smell [my]0-i arousal , can [he]1962-my thief ? That mean upper lip thins further . [His]1962-my thief pouty lower lip juts out above a chin that wears days ’ old growth of beard . Thick dark hair covers [his]1962-my thief jaw . How would it feel to have [him]1962-my thief draw those rough whiskers across [my]0-i inner thigh ? Right before [he]1962-my thief dips [his]1962-my thief head , darts out [his]1962-my thief tongue , and licks [my]0-i innermost secret place . Goosebumps dot [my]0-i skin . Shit , what ’s wrong with [me]0-i ? Why did [my]0-i mind go there ? [You]1964-you know why … Because [this handsome piece of 100 % male goodness]1965-this handsome piece of 100 % male goodness is , quite simply , the most wickedly delicious piece of dessert [I]0-i ’ve ever laid [my]0-i eyes on . [My]0-i throat dries . Also , [I]0-i happen to know [him]1962-my thief . " [You]1962-my thief ? "[0-i] [my]0-i voice comes out breathless . " What are [you]1962-my thief doing [here]260-here ? "[1962-my thief] [he]1962-my thief snaps at the same time . " [I]0-i asked the question first , "[0-i] [I]0-i huff . " [I]0-i am not in the habit of answering queries posited by women who look like [they]1968-my best friends [’ve been dragged in from a storm]3340-’ve been dragged in from a storm . "[0-i] " What ? "[0-i] [My]0-i jaw drops . [I]0-i am gaping , and it ’s not only because the words complete the image of [the man [I]0-i ’ve loathed]1966-the man i ’ve loathed from the moment [I]0-i first saw [him]1962-my thief at the wedding of [one of [[my]0-i best friends]1968-my best friends]1967-one of my best friends . " [Dr. f’ing Weston]156-weston , "[0-i] [I]0-i snarl . " That ’s [Doc Kincaid]93-doc to [you]1962-my thief . "[0-i] [He]1962-my thief yawns . Of course , [his]1962-my thief surname would have to have the word kink in it in some form . " And are [you]1962-my thief ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl . " What ? "[0-i] " [A real doctor]3341-a real doctor ? "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief raises [his]1962-my thief hand , stabs the cigar [I]0-i only now realize [he]1962-my thief holds between [his]1962-my thief fingers between [his]1962-my thief lips . " Do [you]0-i want to find out ? "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief looks [me]0-i up and down , " [I]1962-my thief could give [you]0-i a thorough examination . "[1962-my thief] [His]1962-my thief gaze settles on [my]0-i breasts , slides down to [my]0-i core . " Make sure everything is in working order . ”[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief snickers . Heat fizzes low in [my]0-i belly . Hell , with that kind of hotness , [this man]206-this man could clearly get [my]0-i cake batter to rise in seconds … Wait , did [I]0-i just think that ? [I]0-i make a gagging noise in [my]0-i throat , " Does that line actually work ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i ’d be surprised . "[1962-my thief] [His]1962-my thief lips curl . Oh , that smirk . [My]0-i stomach seems to bottom out … Or maybe that ’s because [I]0-i have n’t eaten since lunch time . [He]1962-my thief draws on [his]1962-my thief cigar , cheeks hollowing for an instant , before [he]1962-my thief puffs out smoke . Cherries , cloves … cinnamon . Yum . [My]0-i mouth waters , " How would it be to bake a cigar dessert ? "[0-i] " What ? "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief frowns . Shit , did [I]0-i just say that aloud ? " Nothing , "[0-i] [I]0-i mumble , " and [you]1962-my thief have n’t answered [my]0-i question . "[0-i] [His]1962-my thief voice lowers to a hush , " [I]1962-my thief ’ll answer [yours]0-i if [you]0-i answer [mine]1962-my thief . "[1962-my thief] Another shiver ladders up [my]0-i spine . How did [he]1962-my thief manage to make that seem like an innuendo ? " Is everything a trade to [you]0-i ? "[1962-my thief] " [You]0-i should try it . "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief smiles , a full - blown grin that highlights the laughter lines that stretch from the corners of [his]1962-my thief eyes . [I]0-i mean , could [this guy]1148-this guy be any more perfect ? [I]0-i allow [my]0-i gaze to take in the breadth of [his]1962-my thief shoulders , that gorgeous neck , the swell of those hard biceps , the smattering of hair on those forearms — No , do not look lower ; do n’t do it — to the splint that [he]1962-my thief sports around middle finger of [his]1962-my thief right hand . " What happened to [you]1962-my thief ? "[0-i] [I]0-i scowl . " This ? "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief raises [his]1962-my thief middle finger to show [me]0-i the bird by default , " [I]1962-my thief fractured [my]1962-my thief middle finger a car accident . "[1962-my thief] " How convenient , "[0-i] [I]0-i scoff . " [You]1962-my thief can announce [your]1962-my thief jerk - face nature without speaking a word . "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief chuckles , " [You]0-i always this nice to [injured men]3342-injured men ? "[1962-my thief] " [You]0-i always go around flashing [women]2103-women ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i enjoyed the view . "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief raises that goddam cigar again to [his]1962-my thief mouth , wraps those beautiful lips around the smoke stick . And [I]0-i 'd love to get [my]0-i mouth around [his]1962-my thief fat , juicy cigar too . No , no . Enough with the terrible metaphors . But , hello , can [you]1971-you blame [me]0-i ? [I]0-i am only [a woman]297-a woman standing in front of [a man]175-a man[a naked , gorgeous as hell , stud muffin of a male who pulls the cigar from [his]1962-my thief mouth]1974-a naked , gorgeous as hell , stud muffin of a male who pulls the cigar from his mouth , and blows out a cloud of fragrant smoke from between pursed lips . Moisture melts [my]0-i core . [My]0-i toes curl . Jesus , there should be a law against [him]1962-my thief using [his]1962-my thief mouth like that . Of course , [I]0-i could find other uses for that mouth of [his]1962-my thief too … No , no no , why are [you]1971-you insisting on going back down [that route]1975-that route ? " Nothing [I]0-i have n’t seen , "[0-i] [I]0-i toss [my]0-i head . " Unlikely . "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief lowers [his]1962-my thief right hand — the one with the splint and the default flip - [me]0-i - off - bird to [his]1962-my thief crotch . What the — ? Do n’t look there , [bitch]2474-bitch — Do n’t bloody watch [him]1962-my thief grasp [himself]1962-my thief and squeeze . [I]0-i gulp , the sound audible in [the small space]1977-the small space . And damn [him]1962-my thief , but [I]0-i ca n’t take [my]0-i gaze off of that gorgeous part of [his]1962-my thief anatomy . [He]1962-my thief lowers [his]1962-my thief hand to [his]1962-my thief side , " [I]1962-my thief rest [my]1962-my thief case . "[1962-my thief] Hell , but a certain part of [him]1962-my thief is far from being in resting position . [Gulp]157-gulp . Did [I]0-i just word play on [his]1962-my thief dick play ? Clearly [his]1962-my thief proximity is rubbing off if all [I]0-i can think of are these poor jokes . " By the way , "[1962-my thief] [his]1962-my thief tone is conversational , " [you]0-i planning on defending [yourself]0-i with that ? "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief jerks [his]1962-my thief chin . [I]0-i tighten [my]0-i grasp around the spatula and raise it . " This has been known to strike fear in the heart of [burglars]3344-burglars and [those who ’ve tried to break in on [me]0-i before]3345-those who ’ve tried to break in on me before , "[0-i] [I]0-i snap . " Have [you]1962-my thief been burgled before ? "[0-i] [His]1962-my thief jaw hardens . " None of [your]1962-my thief business . "[0-i] " Have [you]1962-my thief ? "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief takes a step forward . [I]0-i scoot back . [My]0-i leg brushes something warm , which moves . A scream spills from [my]0-i lips , then , for the second time in ten minutes , the world tilts , and [I]0-i find [myself]0-i falling … Falling . The spatula slips from [my]0-i grasp . [I]0-i squeeze [my]0-i eyes shut , waiting for [my]0-i butt to connect with the hard ground , only [I]0-i ’m yanked upright . Heat envelops [me]0-i and [my]0-i breasts flatten against something unyielding . [I]0-i do n’t need to open [my]0-i eyelids to know it ’s [his]1962-my thief chest , the one with the cut planes , the eight pack abs . [I]0-i slap [my]0-i palm against that wall of muscles which coil , move , and writhe under [my]0-i fingertips . [I]0-i gulp and [my]0-i legs threaten to give way under [me]0-i , but [his]1962-my thief hold around [my]0-i shoulders tightens . [I]0-i spot the smoldering smoke stick of [his]1962-my thief on the ground . " [Your]1962-my thief … cigar , "[0-i] [I]0-i stutter . " Fuck that . "[0-i] [His]1962-my thief breath feathers over [my]0-i hair and liquid lust shoots up [my]0-i veins . The scent of cherries and cloves mixes with that edgy darkness that is purely [Weston]156-weston . Speaking of — something hard stabs into [my]0-i waist . A groan boils up [my]0-i throat . Not fair — this crazy attraction to someone [I]0-i ’d barely met a couple of times . Why does [he]1962-my thief have to smell so delicious ? Bet if [I]0-i licked [his]1962-my thief chest , [he]1962-my thief ’d taste more decadent that the chocolate mud pie cake recipe [I]0-i ’ve been wanting to bake . [I]0-i 'll lick the frosting off [his]1962-my thief cupcake any time . Nooooo . Not again . Enough with comparing [his]1962-my thief unmentionables with [my]0-i favorited stuffed goodies . OMG , how would it feel to have [him]1962-my thief stuff [his]1962-my thief goodies in [my]0-i cannoli ? Wait , did that even make sense ? [His]1962-my thief voice dips , [You]0-i have n’t answered [my]1962-my thief question . "[1962-my thief] " What ? "[1962-my thief] [I]0-i blink . " Did [he]1962-my thief hurt [you]0-i ? "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief enunciates [his]1962-my thief words at a slow pace as if [I]0-i am slow of mind … Which , [I]0-i admit , at the moment , [I]0-i seem to be . [His]1962-my thief larger - than - life charisma has turned [my]0-i brain cells to mush . " Tell [me]1962-my thief , "[1962-my thief] [he]1962-my thief coaxes . Is [he]1962-my thief using the same tone [he]1962-my thief used with [the puppy]1978-the puppy to make [him]1962-my thief obey ? Well , hell , if it is n’t working on [me]0-i as well . [My]0-i stomach stutters . " Once … . "[0-i] [I]0-i force out the word . [His]1962-my thief muscles coil ; tension radiates off of [his]1962-my thief body . " [You]0-i were burgled before ? "[1962-my thief] [he]1962-my thief snaps . " Yeah , "[1962-my thief] [I]0-i hunch [my]0-i shoulders , " it happened a week ago … No biggie . "[0-i] [I]0-i swallow as [my]0-i heart begins to race . It had n’t been pleasant , that almost encounter . [I]0-i had been alone in [the kitchen of [[my]0-i bakery]1980-my bakery]1979-the kitchen of my bakery at 4 am … Hell , it had been horrible , actually . [The guy]1981-the guy had thrown a fright into [me]0-i and [I]0-i had thrown this spatula at [him]1981-the guy . " [I]0-i chased off [the guy]1981-the guy . "[0-i] [His]1962-my thief grip tightens , " Did [he]1981-the guy hurt [you]0-i ? "[1962-my thief] [His]1962-my thief jaw tics . [I]0-i stare up into [his]1962-my thief tight features . [You]1982-you ’d think [Mr. Jerkass]158-mr. jerkass here is all concerned about [my]0-i safety . " Did [he]1981-the guy ? "[1962-my thief] [his]1962-my thief voice snaps through the noise in [my]0-i head . " N … no , "[1962-my thief] [I]0-i shake [my]0-i head . " No , what ? "[0-i] No , [I]0-i will not give in to this insane chemistry between [us]1983-us . [I]0-i did n’t come all this way to run slap - bang into [a man who is , surely , far worse than the one who recently broke [my]0-i heart]1984-a man who is , surely , far worse than the one who recently broke my heart . " No , [he]1981-the guy did n’t do any harm . "[0-i] [I]0-i tip up [my]0-i chin . " Though [I]1962-my thief ca n’t promise the same to [you]1962-my thief . "[1962-my thief] [He]1962-my thief chuckles , " [I]1962-my thief love a good fight , do n’t [you]0-i ? "[1962-my thief] [Jackass]159-jackass . A whine sounds behind [me]0-i . [I]0-i shoot a sideways glance to spot a puppy plant [his]1962-my thief behind on the ground … exactly the kind of position [I]0-i ’d have been , if ‘ [Mr. Overbearing Brute]160-mr. overbearing brute ’ here had n’t grabbed [me]0-i first . Oh , so that 's what [I]0-i ’d brushed against earlier and almost fallen over . " [Max]161-max , "[156-weston] [Weston]156-weston talks to the dog , " [you]161-max hungry , [buddy]3347-buddy ? "[156-weston] The puppy whines again . " [I]1962-my thief ’ll be right there , [little man]3348-little man . "[1962-my thief] [His]1962-my thief voice takes on a cajoling tone , and damn [him]1962-my thief , but [my]0-i ovaries seem to spasm . The hell is [he]1962-my thief doing to [me]0-i ? Before this , [I]0-i ’ve never thought about [kids]462-kids … Hell , [I]0-i ’ve barely managed to embark on a halfway decent career , and [I]0-i ’ve never thought of [myself]0-i as someone who ’d want [a family]461-a family . But [Weston]156-weston , with [his]156-weston smoldering glare , [his]156-weston hard face , [his]156-weston harder — um — body , and that coaxing manner with which [he]156-weston talks to [Max]161-max[I]0-i can see [him]156-weston with [a child tucked under one arm]1987-a child tucked under one arm , and [me]0-i under [his]156-weston other … Heck , [I]0-i can see [me]0-i under [him]156-weston , period . [My]0-i mouth waters . [My]0-i panties dampen further . Get [your]1988-your mind out of the gutter , [you]1988-your slut . " Is n’t [he]156-weston [Sinclair]45-sinclair and [[Summer]44-summer ’s pet]3349-summer ’s pet ? "[0-i] [I]0-i frown . [[My]0-i friend]226-my friend [Summer]44-summer had married [Sinclair Sterling]45-sinclair , [one of [the seven billionaire co - owners of [7A investments]2590-7a investments]1991-the seven billionaire co - owners of 7a investments]1990-one of the seven billionaire co - owners of 7a investments , not long ago . [She]226-my friend ’d found [the love of [her]226-my friend life]1993-the love of her life , [that lucky bitch]1994-that lucky bitch . Not that [I]0-i begrudge [her]226-my friend [her]226-my friend happiness . What [I]0-i would n't give for some of that moon and stars glitter to rub off on [me]0-i as well ... " [They]3350-they ’re away on an extended honeymoon , "[156-weston] [Weston]156-weston grunts . " Aww . So [you]156-weston decided to puppy - sit ? "[156-weston] [I]0-i breathe . A warm glowing ball lights up inside of [me]0-i . [He]156-weston glowers , " Do n’t gush any sweet icky stuff now — uh , what ’s [your]0-i name again ? "[156-weston] Poof — that warm feeling [I]0-i mentioned ? Forget about it . The hell is wrong with [this man]206-this man ? " [You]156-weston know [my]0-i name all right , [you]156-weston ass . "[0-i] [I]0-i stab [my]0-i finger in [his]156-weston chest , " So why are [you]156-weston pretending otherwise ? "[0-i] " [Me]156-weston ? "[156-weston] [He]156-weston blinks , " Do [I]156-weston ? "[156-weston] [He]156-weston tilts [his]156-weston head , pretending to think , " Is it [Lily]162-lily ? "[156-weston] A slow burn starts up [my]0-i spine . " No … No . "[156-weston] [He]156-weston cracks [his]156-weston neck , " [It]162-lily will come to [me]156-weston , it will … It ’s [Malia]39-malia , right ? "[156-weston] Anger laces the edges of [my]0-i vision . [I]0-i draw in a breath , then another . Stay calm , [he]156-weston can only get so much more obnoxious , right ? " Wait , let [me]156-weston try , one more time … "[156-weston] [He]156-weston pats [his]156-weston temple with the palm of [his]156-weston injured hand . " It’s … something French , is n’t it ? Like … [Valerie]163-valerie , [Malory]164-malory , maybe ? No , [I]156-weston have it . "[156-weston] [He]156-weston snaps [his]156-weston fingers , " It ’s [Celine]165-celine . [I]156-weston got that right , did n’t [I]156-weston ? "[156-weston] [He]156-weston chuckles . [I]0-i clench [my]0-i fists , then raise [my]0-i hand toward [his]156-weston face . [He]156-weston catches [my]0-i wrist . " Tsk , tsk , "[156-weston] [he]156-weston clicks [his]156-weston tongue . " What a temper [you]0-i have , [little one]3351-little one . "[156-weston] " Do n’t ‘ little one ’ [me]156-weston[You]0-i[You]0-i wanker . "[156-weston] " Finally , "[156-weston] [his]156-weston eyes gleam , " here kitty , kitty , show [me]156-weston [your]0-i claws . "[156-weston] " [I]0-i ’ll do better than that , "[0-i] [I]0-i hiss , " [I]0-i ’ll show [you]156-weston how it is to see the sun at night time . "[0-i] [I]0-i bring up [my]0-i knee , aim for [his]156-weston groin . TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT READ WESTON AND [AMELIE]62-weston 'S STORY IN THE BILLIONAIRE 'S CHRISTMAS BRIDE HERE Read an excerpt from Karma and [Michael Byron]91-byron 's story ...

[Karma]51-karma

" [Morn]166-morn came and went — and came , and brought no day … "[51-karma] Tears prick the backs of [my]0-i eyes . [Goddamn Byron]167-goddamn byron . Always creeps up on [me]0-i when [I]0-i am at [my]0-i weakest . Not that [I]0-i am [a poetry addict]1996-a poetry addict , by any measure , but words are [my]0-i jam . The one consolation [I]0-i have , that when everything else in [the world]212-the world is wrong , [I]0-i can turn to [them]1998-them , and [they]1998-them ’ll be there — friendly steady , waiting with open arms . And this particular poem had laced [my]0-i blood and crawled into [my]0-i gut when [I]0-i ’d first read it . [Darkness]145-darkness had folded into [me]0-i like an insidious snake that raises its head when [I]0-i least expect it . Like now . [I]0-i 'd managed to give [[my]0-i bodyguard]1999-my bodyguard the slip and veered off [my]0-i usual running route to reach [Waterlow Park]40-waterlow park . [I]0-i look out on [the still - sleeping city of [London]2-london]2000-the still - sleeping city of london , from [the grassy slope of the expanse]2001-the grassy slope of the expanse . Somewhere out there , [the Mafia]314-the mafia is hunting [me]0-i , apparently . [I]0-i purse [my]0-i lips , close [my]0-i eyes . Silence . The rustle of the wind between the leaves . The faint tinkle of the water from the nearby spring . [I]0-i could be [the last person on [this planet]2004-this planet]2003-the last person on this planet , alone , unsung , bound for the grave . Ugh ! Stop . Right there . [I]0-i drag the back of [my]0-i hand across [my]0-i nose . Try it again , focus , get the words out , one after the other , like the steps of [my]0-i sorry life . " [Morn]166-morn came and went — and came , and brought no day … "[0-i] [My]0-i voice breaks . " Bloody , asinine , hell . "[0-i] [I]0-i dig [my]0-i fingers into the grass and grab a handful and fling it out . Again . From the top . [I]0-i open [my]0-i eyes , focus on a spot in the distance . " [Morn]166-morn came and went — and came , and … . "[0-i] " … brought no day . "[0-i] [I]0-i whip [my]0-i head around . [His]2005-his profile fills [my]0-i line of sight . Dark hair combed back by a ruthless hand that brooks no opposition . [My]0-i throat dries . Hooked nose , thin upper lip , a fleshy lower lip , that hints at hidden desires . Heat . Lust . The sensuous scrape of that whiskered jaw over [my]0-i innermost places . Across [my]0-i inner thigh , reaching toward that core of [me]0-i that throbs , clenches , melts to feel the stab of [his]2005-his tongue , the thrust of [his]2005-his hardness as [he]2005-his impales [me]0-i , takes [me]0-i , makes [me]0-i [his]2005-his . " And [men]2104-men forgot [their]2104-men passions in the dread Of this [their]2104-men desolation ; and all hearts Were chill'd into a selfish prayer for light .. "[2005-his] Sweat beads [my]0-i palm ; the hairs on [my]0-i nape rise . " Who are [you]2006-this stranger ? "[2005-his] [He]2005-his stares ahead , [his]2005-his lips moving , " [Forests]41-forests were set on fire — but hour by hour [They]41-forests fell and faded — and the crackling trunks Extinguish'd with a crash — and all was black . "[2005-his] [I]0-i swallow , squeeze [my]0-i thighs together . Moisture gathers in [my]0-i core . How can [I]0-i be wet by the mere cadence of [this stranger]2006-this stranger ’s voice ? [I]0-i spring up to [my]0-i feet . " Sit down . "[0-i] [His]2005-his voice is unhurried , lazy even , [his]2005-his spine erect . The cut of [his]2005-his black jacket stretches across the width of [his]2005-his massive shoulders . [His]2005-his hair … [I]0-i was mistaken . There are strands of dark gold woven between the darkness that pours down to brush the nape of [his]2005-his neck . [My]0-i fingers tingle . [My]0-i scalp itches . [I]0-i take in a breath and [my]0-i lungs burn . [This man]206-this man , [he]2005-his ’s sucked all the oxygen in this open space , as if [he]2005-his owns it , [the master of all [he]2005-his surveys]2008-the master of all he surveys . [The master of [me]0-i]2009-the master of me . [My]0-i death . [My]0-i life . A shiver ladders its way up [my]0-i spine . Get away , get away now , while [you]2010-you still can . [I]0-i take a step back . " [I]0-i wo n’t ask again . "[0-i] Ask . Command . Force [me]0-i to do as [he]2005-his wants . [He]2005-his ’ll have [me]0-i on [my]0-i back , bent over , on the side , over [him]2005-his , under [him]2005-his , [he]2005-his ’ll surround [me]0-i , overwhelm [me]0-i , pin [me]0-i down with the force of [his]2005-his personality . [His]2005-his charisma , [his]2005-his larger - than - life essence that will crush everything else out of [me]0-i and [I]0-i[I]0-i ’ll love it . " No . "[0-i] " Yes . "[2005-his] A fact . A statement of intent , spoken aloud . So true . So real . Too real . Too much . Too fast . All of [my]0-i nightmares … [my]0-i dreams come to life . Everything [I]0-i ’ve wanted is here in front of [me]0-i . [I]0-i ’ll die a thousand deaths before [he]2005-his ’ll be done with [me]0-i … And then , will [I]0-i be reborn ? For [him]2005-his . For [me]0-i . For [myself]0-i . [I]0-i live first and foremost to be [the woman [I]0-i am … am meant to be]2011-the woman i am … am meant to be . " [You]2005-his want to run ? "[2005-his] No . No . [I]0-i nod [my]0-i head [He]2005-his turns [his]2005-his head and all of the breath leaves [my]0-i lungs . Blue eyes — cerulean , dark like the morning skies , deep like the nighttime , hidden corners , secrets that [I]0-i do n’t dare uncover . [He]2005-his ’ll destroy [me]0-i , have [my]0-i heart , and break it so casually . [My]0-i throat burns . A boiling sensation squeezes [my]0-i chest . " Go then , [my]0-i beauty , fly . [You]0-i have until [I]0-i count to five . If [I]0-i catch [you]0-i , [you]0-i are [mine]0-i . "[0-i] " If [you]0-i do n’t ? "[2005-his] " Then [I]0-i ’ll come after [you]0-i , stalk [your]0-i every living moment , possess [your]0-i nightmares , and steal [you]0-i away in the dead of midnight , and then … "[0-i] [I]0-i draw in a shuddering breath ; liquid heat drips from between [my]0-i legs . " Then ? "[0-i] [I]0-i whisper . " Then , [I]0-i ’ll ensure [you]0-i ’ll never belong to [anyone else]369-anyone else , [you]0-i ’ll never see the light of day again , for [your]0-i every breath , [your]0-i every waking second , [your]0-i thoughts , [your]0-i actions … and all of [your]0-i words , every single last one , will belong to [me]0-i . "[0-i] [He]2012-his peels back [his]2012-his lips , and [his]2012-his teeth glint in the first rays of the morning light . " Only [me]2012-his . "[2012-his] [He]2012-his straightens to [his]2012-his feet , and rises , and rises . [He]2012-his is massive . [A beast]2013-a beast . [A monster who always gets [his]2012-his way]2014-a monster who always gets his way . [My]0-i guts churn . [My]0-i toes curl . Something primal inside of [me]0-i insists [I]0-i hold [my]0-i own . [I]0-i can not give in to [him]2012-his . Can not let [him]2012-his win whatever this is . [I]0-i need to stake [my]0-i claim in some form . Say something . Anything . Show [him]2012-his [you]2015-you ’re not afraid of [him]2012-his . " Why ? "[0-i] [I]0-i tilt [my]0-i head back , all the way back . " Why are [you]0-i doing this ? "[0-i] [He]2012-his tilts [his]2012-his head , [his]2012-his ears almost canine in the way they are silhouetted against [his]2012-his profile . " Is it because [you]0-i can ? Is it a … a ... "[2012-his] [I]0-i blink , " a debt of some kind ? "[2012-his] [He]2012-his stills . " [[My]2012-his father]498-my father . This is about how [he]498-my father betrayed [the Mafia]314-the mafia , right ? [You]0-i ’re [one of [them]314-the mafia]201-one of them ? "[2012-his] All expression is wiped clean of [his]2012-his face , and [I]0-i know then [I]0-i am right . [My]0-i past … Why does it always catch up with [me]0-i ? [You]2016-you can run , but [you]2016-you can never hide . " Tick - tock , [Beauty]168-beauty . "[2012-his] [He]2012-his angles [his]2012-his body and [his]2012-his shoulders shut out the sight of the sun , the dawn skies , the horizon , [the city]274-the city in the distance , the whisper of the grass , the trees , the rustle of the leaves ... All of it fades , and leaves [me]0-i and [him]2012-his . [Us]2018-us . Run . " Five , "[2012-his] [he]2012-his jerks [his]2012-his chin , straightens the cuffs of [his]2012-his sleeves . [My]0-i knees wobble . " Four . "[2012-his] [My]0-i heart hammers in [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i should go . Leave . But [my]0-i feet are welded to [this earth]2539-this earth . [This piece of land where [we]2018-us first met]2020-this piece of land where we first met . What am [I]0-i , but a speck in the larger scheme of things ? To be hurt . To be forgotten . To be brought to the edge of climax and taken without an ounce of retribution . To be punished ... By [him]2012-his . " Three . "[2012-his] [He]2012-his thrusts out [his]2012-his chest , widens [his]2012-his stance , every muscle in [his]2012-his body relaxed . " Two . "[2012-his] [I]0-i swallow . The pulse beats at [my]0-i temples . [My]0-i blood thrums . " One . "[0-i]

[Michael]91-byron

" Go . "[2021-her] [She]2021-her pivots and races down the slope . The fabric of [her]2021-her dress streams behind [her]2021-her , scarlet in the blue morning . [Her]2021-her scent , lushly feminine with silver moonflowers , clings to [my]0-i nose , then recedes . [I]0-i reach forward , thrust out [my]0-i chin , sniff the air , but there ’s only the green scent of dawn . [She]2021-her stumbles and [I]0-i jump forward . Pause when [she]2021-her straightens . Wait . Wait . Give [her]2021-her a lead . Let [her]2021-her think [she]2021-her has almost escaped , that [she]2021-her ’s gotten the better of [me]0-i … As if . [I]0-i clench [my]0-i fists at [my]0-i sides , force [myself]0-i to relax . Wait . Wait . [She]2021-her reaches the bottom of the incline , turns . [I]0-i surge forward . One foot in front of the other , [my]0-i heels dig into the grassy surface as mud flies up , clinging to the edges of [my]0-i £ 4000 Italian pants . Like [I]0-i care ? Plenty more where that came from . An entire walk - in closet full of tailor - made clothes , to suit every occasion , with every possible accessory needed by [a man in [my]0-i position to impress]2022-a man in my position to impress … Everything , except the one thing that [I]0-i have coveted from the first time [I]0-i had laid eyes on [her]2021-her . Sitting there on [the grassy slope]2023-the grassy slope , unshed tears in [her]2021-her eyes , and reciting … [Byron]91-byron ? For hell ’s sake . Of [all the poet ’s in [the world]212-the world]2024-all the poet ’s in the world , [she]2021-her had to choose [the Lord of Darkness]2026-the lord of darkness . [I]0-i huff . All a ploy . Clearly , [she]2021-her ’d known [I]0-i was sitting near [her]2021-her … No , not possible . [I]0-i had walked toward [her]2021-her and [she]2021-her had n’t stirred , had n’t been aware . Yeah , [I]0-i am that good . [I]0-i ’ve been known to slice [a man]175-a man from ear to ear while [he]175-a man was awake and fully aware . Alive one second , dead the next . That ’s how it is in [[my]0-i world]2028-my world . [You]2029-you want it , [you]2029-you take it . And [I]0-i[I]0-i want [her]2021-her . [I]0-i increase [my]0-i pace , eat up the distance between [myself]0-i and [the girl]2359-the girl … That ’s all [she]2021-her is . A slip of a thing , a slim blur of motion . [Beauty]168-beauty in hiding . A diamond in the rough , waiting for [me]0-i to get [my]0-i hands on [her]2021-her , polish [her]2021-her , show [her]2021-her what it means to be … dead . [She]2021-her is dead . That ’s why [I]0-i am here . [Her]2021-her skirts flash behind [her]2021-her , exposing a creamy length of thigh . [My]0-i groin hardens ; [my]0-i legs wobble . [I]0-i lurch over a bump in the ground . The hell ? [I]0-i right [myself]0-i , leap forward , inching closer , closer . [She]2021-her reaches a curve in the path , disappears out of sight . [My]0-i heart hammers in [my]0-i chest . [I]0-i will not lose [her]2021-her , will not . Here , [Beauty]168-beauty , come to [Daddy]169-daddy . The wind whistles past [my]0-i ears . [I]0-i pump [my]0-i legs , lengthen [my]0-i strides , turn the corner . There ’s [no one there]2031-no one there , huh ? [My]0-i heart hammers , the blood pounds at [my]0-i wrists and [my]0-i temples , and adrenaline thrums through [my]0-i veins . [I]0-i slow down , come to a stop . Scan [the clearing]2032-the clearing . The hairs on [my]0-i forearms prickle . [She]2021-her ’s here . Not far . Where ? Where is [she]2021-her ? [I]0-i prowl across , to [the edge of [the clearing]2032-the clearing]2033-the edge of the clearing , under the tree with its spreading branches . When [I]0-i get [my]0-i hands on [you]2035-your , [Beauty]168-beauty , [I]0-i ’ll spread [your]2035-your legs like the pages of a poem . Dip into [your]2035-your honeyed sweetness , like a quill into an inkwell ; drag [my]0-i aching shaft across that melting , weeping entrance . [My]0-i balls throb . [My]0-i groin tightens . The crack of a branch above shivers across [my]0-i stretched nerve endings . Instinctively , [I]0-i swoop forward , hold out [my]0-i arms . A blur of red , dark blonde hair , skirt swept up in a gust of breeze . [She]2021-her drops into [my]0-i arms and [I]0-i close [my]0-i grasp around the trembling , squirming mass of precious humanity . [I]0-i cradle [her]2021-her close to [my]0-i chest , heart beating thud - thud - thud , overwhelming any other thought . [Mine]2036-mine . All mine . The hell is wrong with [me]0-i ? [She]2021-her wriggles [her]2021-her little body , and [her]2021-her curves slide across [my]0-i forearms . [My]0-i shoulders bunch and [my]0-i fingers tingle . [She]2021-her kicks out with [her]2021-her legs and arches [her]2021-her back . [Her]2021-her breasts thrust up , the nipples outlined against the fabric of [her]2021-her jogging vest . [She]2021-her ’d dared come out dressed like that … ? In that scrap of fabric that barely covered [her]2021-her luscious flesh ? " Let [me]2021-her go . "[2021-her] [She]2021-her whips [her]2021-her head toward [me]0-i , [her]2021-her hair flowing around [her]2021-her shoulders , across [her]2021-her face . [She]2021-her blows it out of the way , " [[You]0-i monster]3357-you monster , get away from [me]2021-her . "[2021-her] Anger drums at the backs of [my]0-i eyes ; desire tugs at [my]0-i groin . The scent of [her]2021-her is sheer torture , something that [I]0-i had dreamed of in the wee hours of twilight when dusk turned into night . [She]2021-her ’s not real . Not [the woman [I]0-i think [she]2021-her is]2037-the woman i think she is . [She]2021-her is [my]0-i downfall . [My]0-i sweet poison . The bitter medicine [I]0-i must imbibe to cure the ills that plague [my]0-i company . " Fine . "[0-i] [I]0-i lower [my]0-i arms and [she]2021-her hits the ground butt first . " How dare [you]0-i ? "[2021-her] [she]2021-her huffs out a breath , [her]2021-her hair messily arranged across [her]2021-her face . [I]0-i shove [my]0-i hands into the pockets of [my]0-i fitted pants , knees slightly bent , legs apart . Tip [my]0-i chin down and watch [her]2021-her as [she]2021-her sprawls at [my]0-i feet . " [You]0-i … dropped [me]2021-her ? "[2021-her] [She]2021-her makes a sound deep in [her]2021-her throat . So damn adorable . " [Your]2021-her wish is [my]2021-her command , "[2021-her] [I]0-i quirk [my]0-i lips . " [You]2021-her do n’t mean it . "[2021-her] " [You]2021-her ’re right . "[0-i] [I]0-i lean [my]0-i weight forward on the balls of [my]0-i feet and [she]2021-her flinches . " What … what do [you]0-i want ? "[0-i] " [You]0-i . "[2021-her] [She]2021-her pales . " [You]0-i want to … rob [me]2021-her ? [I]2021-her have nothing of value . [I]2021-her ’m not carrying anything … except . "[2021-her] [She]2021-her reaches for [her]2021-her pocket . " Do n’t , "[0-i] [I]0-i growl . " It ’s only [my]0-i phone . "[0-i] " So [you]0-i say , hmm ? "[2021-her] " [You]0-i can … "[2021-her] [she]2021-her swallows , " [you]0-i can trust [me]0-i . "[0-i] [I]0-i chuckle . " [I]0-i mean , it ’s not like [I]0-i can deck [you]2021-her with a phone or anything , right ? "[0-i] [I]0-i glare at [her]2021-her and [she]2021-her swallows , " Fine … [You]0-i[You]0-i take it . "[2021-her] Interesting . " Hands behind [your]0-i neck . "[2021-her] [She]2021-her hesitates . " Now . "[2021-her] [She]2021-her instantly folds [her]2021-her arms at the elbows , cradles the back of [her]2021-her head with [her]2021-her palms . [I]0-i lean down and every muscle in [her]2021-her body tenses . Good . [She]2021-her ’s wary . [She]2021-her should be . [She]2021-her should have been alert enough to have run as soon as [she]2021-her sensed [my]0-i presence . But [she]2021-her had n’t . And [I]0-i ’d delayed what was meant to happen long enough . [I]0-i pull the gun from [my]0-i pocket , hold it to [her]2021-her temple . " Goodbye , [Beauty]168-beauty . "[0-i] To find out what happens next read [Karma]51-karma and [Michael Byron]91-byron 's story HERE Claim [your]2038-your FREE contemporary romance book . Click HERE Claim [your]2038-your FREE paranormal romance book HERE More books by [L. STEELE]170-l. steele More Books by [Laxmi]171-laxmi

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Hello , [I]0-i 'm L. Steele [I]0-i love writing alphaholes . [I]0-i love reading about [them]2039-them even more , ha ! In fact [I]0-i LOVE smirky pants , [possessive , growly jerk]2040-possessive , growly jerk faces so much ... that [I]0-i created [[my]0-i own group]2041-my own group where [I]0-i could talk about [them]2039-them all day long ... no judgement ! What happens here ... stays here ... * swear * Want to join the fun and hang out with [fellow ALPHAHOLICS]2042-fellow alphaholics like [me]0-i * smirk * ? JOIN [MY]0-i READER GROUP HERE Claim [your]2038-your FREE contemporary romance book . Click HERE Claim [your]2038-your FREE paranormal romance book HERE Claim [your]2038-your FREE book Follow [me]0-i on AMAZON Follow [me]0-i on BookBub Follow on Goodreads Follow [my]0-i Pinterest boards Follow [me]0-i on FB Follow [me]0-i on Instagram Read [my]0-i Books [HERE]260-here